Accessing PAFs: six rules of engagement – podcast

Fiona Higgins from Australian Philanthropic Services illuminates the realities of private ancillary funds (PAFs) and what it takes to position your organisation for that serendipitous alignment.

30 November 2017

Social Ventures Australia · Accessing PAFs: six rules of engagement

Summary

While the charitable distributions of PAFs already exceed $300 million annually, individual PAF distributions average roughly $200,000 annually, and often occur in tranches of $5,000-$20,000 per not-for-profit (NFP).

PAF funding is a rare source of untied funding, often in the first five years of a NFP’s life, and is generally less risk-averse and more flexible than other sources.

The PAF-holders’ passion and personal experience plays a large role in decision-making; NFPs will not be able to sway PAF holders solely on the strength of their impact per se – though this can be important where multiple organisations are working in the same space.

The six rules of engagement are: be clear about the ask, be realistic about the opportunity, woo the intermediaries and advisers, go to industry events and nurture the relationship with the PAF once you have one.