Our people
We are a group of big-hearted volunteers looking committed to growing collective giving
Meet Elyse
Elyse Cook, Co-Founder
Elyse has spent her career helping people give in ways that genuinely make a difference. With experience across corporate and private philanthropy, she works closely with individuals and families to shape thoughtful, values-led approaches to giving.
Currently advising on structured giving, Elyse loves helping people find a way to be generous that feels personal, achievable and meaningful — turning good intentions into real impact.
When she’s not working, you’ll most likely find Elyse painting or down at the beach with her dog, Mackenzie.
“I want to make giving feel more accessible, so more Australians can connect with and support their local communities.”
Meet Bella
Bella Conyngham, Co-Founder
Bella is a proud Kiwi with a big heart for social and environmental justice.
By day, she works with trusts, foundations, professional advisors, intermediaries and not-for-profit organisations at the philanthropy sector peak body in Oz: Philanthropy Australia.
By night, she’s on the Board of the Australian Endometriosis Foundation and can usually be found on a yoga mat - teaching, practicing, or chasing a little calm in a busy world.
“Growing up I was taught that anyone can make a difference. I’m passionate about making philanthropy more inclusive and community-driven”
Meet Pauline
Pauline Ducay, Committee Member
Pauline is a Filipino marketer and storyteller who believes in the quiet power of words: their ability to shape perspectives, spark connection, and turn ideas into action. She's built her expertise across publicity, media relations, events management, and content production, with a passion for purpose-driven work.
Off the clock, Pauline is known for her dedication to pop culture and weaving her obsessions into several community-driven initiatives, particularly around causes close to her heart: good governance, mental health, and women empowerment. Right now, she's on a mission to find her next hobby outside binging true crime.
Meet Mike
Mike Davis, Committee Member
Mike has spent his career in government, executive leadership in the for-purpose sector, and now in entrepreneurship. He helps purpose-driven leaders and their organisations to become innovation leaders, through Shackleton Labs. He is passionate about ensuring funders and recipients maximise the potential and impact of giving, by applying a strategic innovation lens and further co-design in solution-making.
When Mike isn't writing about innovation, reading about it or practising it, you'll find him trying to get better at hot pilates, going for hikes in regional Victoria, reading non-fiction books and hanging out with his young family.
“There has never been a more important time to understand philanthropy by getting involved in regular and communal giving practices. It's something I really want my son to see first hand, so contribution becomes a key part of his life”
Interested in joining the team?
We’re looking for passionate individuals from a range of backgrounds who would like to join our Founding Committee
If you’re interested in getting involved in a volunteer capacity, fill out the form below and we will be in touch.
We can't wait to hear from you!
How our giving circle works
The Purpose Loop
Funds are pooled
Membership joins forces with others. Together, we build collective giving power and create a shared fund for impact.
Nominating
We’ll invite you to suggest organisations or projects. Organisations can also submit themselves for consideration via a brief EOI form. From there we assess alignment with our focus areas and giving values.
Shortlisting
Organisations are reviewed by a volunteer committee and other research and due diligence is taken care of behind the scenes, ending up in a shortlist.
Community voting
Members vote on a small shortlist and choose where the collective money will go.
Giving
We announce the selected organisation(s) and distribute the grant(s) by 30 June each year.
Repeat
We reflect on what we’ve learned, share the impact created from the grant and begin the next giving cycle together.
Become a Founding Member
We’ll be with you every step of the way