Fundraisers from all over Australia met at the FIA conference last week to learn from their peers and to celebrate the work of Australia’s best fundraisers. Third Sector attended this event which took place in sunny Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast.
FIA held their Gala Awards dinner on 23 February to award those who have done exceptional work in fundraising. Now in their 18th year, the Awards recognise the outstanding initiatives and innovative efforts of fundraisers, volunteers and organisations.
Rob Edwards, CEO, FIA, welcomed the guests and said he was proud that all the fundraisers got to gather together and celebrate their good work.
Organisational Award winners:
| Category | Sub-category | Organisation | Campaign |
| Donor Acquisition | Over $5m revenue | Act for Peace | Act for Peace Ration Challenge |
| Under $5m revenue | ActionAid | End FGM Acquisition Campaign | |
| Donor Renewal | Over $5m revenue | Children’s Cancer Institute (joint) | Charlie’s promise |
| Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation (joint) | Alive & kicking during taxing times | ||
| Under $5m revenue | VisAbility Guide Dogs WA | Preparing a new generation of Guide Dogs | |
| Major Gifts | Over $5m revenue | Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation | Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy |
| Bequests/Gifts in Wills | Over $5m revenue | Bush Heritage Australia | Bush Legacy Circle & Bequest Reconfirmation campaign |
| Capital Canmpaigns | Over $5m revenue | University of Melbourne | Believe – the Campaign for the University of Melbourne |
| Special Events | Over $5m revenue | Act for Peace | Act for Peace Ration Challenge |
Principal Award winners:
| Category | Organisation | Campaign |
| Most Innovative Campaign | Act for Peace | Act for Peace Ration Challenge |
| Most Outstanding Fundraising Project | University of Melbourne | Believe – the Campaign for the University of Melbourne |
Individual Award winners:
| Category | Individual |
| Arthur Venn Fundraiser of the Year | Jo Garner FFIA CFRE |
| Young Fundraiser of the Year | Charlotte Sangster EMFIA CFRE |
| Volunteer of the Year | May Cameron, NSW (nominated by Cerebral Palsy Alliance) |