Robyn King, Head of Social Impact at Canva, explores how tech is redesigning philanthropy in a way that puts community and communication first.

Australia’s tech sector is stepping up in a big way. We know that Aussie tech founders are not only giving more than ever before; they’re reshaping what modern philanthropy looks like — generous, collaborative and impact-driven. At Canva, our founders are proud to be part of this movement, having publicly pledged the majority of their wealth to causes that matter.

Financial giving will always be a critical pillar of social impact. But with global challenges growing more complex and urgent, there’s an opportunity — and responsibility — to go even further. What if the most transformative thing we gave wasn’t just money, but capability? Visibility? Long-term partnership?

The urgent need for new capital

While financial backing is crucial, the funding landscape for Australian non-profits is rapidly changing. Recent cuts to overseas aid and the withdrawal of international foundations have left significant gaps. This highlights an urgent need to ignite new “capital” – meaning diversified support like pro bono services, skill-based volunteering, access to vital technology and strategic partnerships.

Without strong communication and design, even the most impactful work can remain invisible. Nonprofits urgently need infrastructure beyond operational basics: clear messaging, good design and tech literacy. At Canva, we support over 600,000 nonprofits globally with free access to our premium design tools, and we’re witnessing this profound shift firsthand. In a crowded digital landscape, these elements are fundamental for cutting through noise and connecting with donors, volunteers, beneficiaries and policymakers.

Design as leverage

In today’s visual world, design isn’t just a nice-to-have for nonprofits – it’s central to success. A well-designed annual report transforms data into inspiring narratives. An impactful social graphic rallies thousands to a cause. A professional pitch deck turns hesitant funders into committed partners.

Effective storytelling, amplified by strong design, helps nonprofits articulate their unique value. It conveys the emotional heart of their work alongside tangible results. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about making complex issues understandable, urgent needs immediate and potential impact real.

This commitment to equipping the social sector extends significantly into education. Canva is proud to have reached over 100 million students and teachers globally, providing free product access. We’re ensuring not just design literacy but also AI literacy for the next generation.

The need for tech and AI to be inclusive and equitable

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping our world, bringing immense opportunities and significant risks. If access is unequal, AI could deepen digital divides, allowing well-resourced organisations to accelerate while grassroots organisations fall behind. That’s why we’re focused on ensuring our AI tools are intuitive, accessible and built into a platform that already democratises design.

This approach helps ensure that technology empowers, rather than marginalises, the social sector. When a nonprofit can clearly and compellingly share who they are, what they do and the difference they make, they unlock new opportunities for growth and deeper engagement.

Letting communities lead

True impact doesn’t flow from top-down strategies dictated by funders. It emerges from listening to and empowering communities. At Canva, we’ve found that creating long-term, embedded partnerships means committing to a slower, more deliberate approach: listening first, understanding local nuances and then co-designing solutions with those directly affected.

This collaborative model builds genuine trust, ensuring interventions are relevant, sustainable and truly reflective of community needs. It’s about shared ownership and mutual respect, transforming the donor-recipient dynamic into a collaborative ecosystem where every voice truly contributes. This kind of partnership shifts power dynamics, leading to more resilient and impactful outcomes that truly last.

Modelling better behaviours

Ultimately, the most valuable support in this new era of philanthropy is action-oriented and truly collaborative. It’s built on transparent processes, flexible operations and clear communication. When funders and partners share learnings, including what didn’t work, they cultivate an environment that fosters innovation and effective problem-solving. Empowering grantees to lead, adapting swiftly to needs and providing consistent, multi-year support are practical behaviours that truly build capacity and strengthen the entire sector. This moves beyond traditional financial oversight, embracing open dialogue, agility and celebrating incremental progress as much as grand outcomes.

This defines the new era of philanthropy: transformative support isn’t just financial; it’s profoundly practical. It moves beyond simple transactions, forming strategic partnerships that provide essential capabilities and access to tools. This empowers nonprofits to amplify their voices, vividly demonstrate their unique impact and effectively scale solutions. This pragmatic approach offers Australia’s social sector a genuine strategic advantage – one that enables lasting change.

Read also: Tech wealth is set to power multi-billion-dollar philanthropy shift