Beyond Sponsorship
Building brave, values-aligned
partnerships that last
A practical session for changemakers looking to spark authentic, strategic relationships with corporates.
This masterclass goes beyond the traditional pitch-deck-and-sponsorship model to unpack the realities of creating values-aligned, lasting partnerships between charities and corporates.
Using real-world case studies and interactive exercises, participants will learn how to identify shared goals, test alignment and build relationships rooted in mutual benefit. Attendees will leave with a tailored partnership map and a values-alignment conversation tool they can use with potential partners immediately.
event details
date
Wednesday 29 April 2026
time
9.30am – 12.30pm
(registration from 9.00am)
tickets
F&P Members: $232 inc GST.
Non-Members: $290 inc GST.
meet the presenters
Catherine brooks
CEO of Equitable Philanthropy
(Innovative Partnership Advisor)
The masterclass will be led by Catherine Brooks, an innovative changemaker who:
- Brings a unique cross-sector lens (law, philanthropy, governance)
- Builds bridges between people and ideas, not just transactions
- Helps funders and nonprofits move toward deeper, more ethical and sustainable partnerships
- Facilitates innovation through shared value, co-creation, and values alignment
- Champions a mindset shift – from grant-seeking to opportunity-making.
Gill Whelan
Head of DECJUBA Foundation
(Corporate Funder)
Catherine is joined by special guest Gill Whelan, Head of the DECJUBA Foundation – a corporate funder known for values-led giving and authentic, long-term charity partnerships.
Gill brings real-world funder insights into:
- What corporate funders really want (beyond polished decks)
- How to spot and grow values alignment
- Building partnerships that reflect trust, flexibility and long-term vision
Key Topics and structure
01
The reality of corporate partnerships
Case Study: Premier With Purpose (Left Write Hook + Melbourne International Film Festival partnership)
- What corporates really want – why corporates are seeking alignment, not charity; how to frame your pitch so the funder can see themselves in the story; techniques for making a corporate feel like the partnership is a must-have
- Common myths and missteps in corporate outreach
02
Values alignment & mindset shifts
Case Study: Decjuba Foundation & Smiling Mind
- Activity: “Values Exchange” – in this interactive activity, you will identify your organisation’s top five values and, using AI tools, test alignment with real or potential corporate partners, equipping you with insights and language to pursue values-led, purpose-driven partnerships
- Overcoming the “grant recipient” mentality – shift from grant-seeking to opportunity-making by envisioning bold, values-led partnerships that corporates didn’t even know they needed
03
Co-creation and shared value in action
Case Study: Payton Foundation – Rethinking the role of the funder
Inspired by Stephanie Hill from Payton Foundation, this case study unpacks how the foundation goes beyond financial giving to co-create solutions with their charity partners, bringing business skills, strategic thinking and genuine partnership into play.
Key themes you will explore in Part 3:
- What real co-creation looks like when funders offer more than money
- How Payton helps charities think like businesses – challenging assumptions, strengthening models
- The value of employee involvement, skills exchange, and deep listening
- Shared storytelling and advocacy – communicating aligned purpose
- Why long-term, flexible and humble engagement builds enduring impact
04
The Board as influencers
Case Study: Cure EB – Board-driven corporate engagement
Cure EB exemplifies how a charity can harness the expertise and networks of its board members to forge meaningful corporate partnerships. The organisation benefits from board members with substantial corporate experience.
Key themes you will explore in Part 4:
- How to identify and engage board members with corporate backgrounds.
- Strategies for leveraging board members’ networks to open doors to corporate partnerships
- The importance of aligning board members’ expertise with your charity’s strategic objectives
05
The takeaway – build your partnership roadmap
Activity: Combining all the tools used in the workshop, participants complete a tailored Partnership Roadmap including:
- Values alignment map
- Target partner wishlist
- Internal assets inventory
- Next steps and board engagement plan
Your Corporate Partnerships Toolkit
Whether you’re just starting out in corporate partnerships or you’re an experienced practitioner looking for fresh, real-world case studies to spark more innovative and values-led collaborations, this masterclass will provide the insights and tools you need to take your partnerships to the next level.
You will walk away with:
- A ready-to-use Partnership Roadmap
- A Values Alignment Conversation Guide for meetings
- Real case study inspiration and language to adopt in your own pitches
- Confidence in your value proposition beyond money
- Several worksheets and takeaway tools to take back to your organisation