Our people

We’re passionate about empowering everyday people to give.

Meet Elyse

Elyse Cook, Co-Founder

Elyse has spent her career helping people make a meaningful impact in the community through giving. With experience in both corporate and private philanthropy, she works across strategy, social impact and governance. Currently working as an adviser on structured giving vehicles, Elyse loves helping individuals and families find a personalised approach to their philanthropy and making generosity both strategic and purposeful.

Beyond work, Elyse finds balance in painting and time at the beach with her dog Mackenzie.

“I want play my role in creating a more generous Australia and support young Australians engage with their local communities by making philanthropy more accessible”

Meet Bella

Bella Conyngham, Co-Founder

From Aotearoa New Zealand, Bella is a strong advocate for social and environmental justice. In her role as Director of Engagement (NSW/ACT) at Philanthropy Australia, Bella works with trusts, foundations, families, professional advisors, companies, intermediaries and not-for-profit organisations. Bella also serves on Board of the Australian Endometriosis Foundation.

Outside of work she can be found teaching and practicing yoga or spending time in nature.

“ Growing up I was taught that anyone can make a difference. I’m passionate about making philanthropy more inclusive community-driven, and truly impactful. ”

Meet Aleesha

Aleesha Kumar, Founding Committee Member

Aleesha believes that anyone giving with intention – at any level – should consider themselves a philanthropist. Yet for many, especially younger people, that label still feels out of reach. As Head of Principal Gifts at Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, she partners with families to unlock major support for kids’ health, having raised over $40 million across the not-for-profit sector.

Given her background, and having spent significant time in South East Asia, Aleesha was deeply affected by the inequity she witnessed – an experience that later inspired her to found Artists Against Poverty, a youth-led initiative that brought together young artists and volunteers to support women in Indonesia through micro-loans.

Aleesha has dedicated her career to philanthropy – a job she loves and says often doesn’t feel like work.

“As a Founding Committee Member of The Purpose Fund, I am proud to help create space for values-led giving – especially for young people like myself who wish something like this had existed sooner.”