Working together to close the education equity gap
In August 2025, ACT/NSW based philanthropy the Snow Foundation hosted the Philanthropy & Education Equity Workshop, uniting leaders across philanthropy, education, and research to explore how philanthropic investment can help close the education equity gap.
Hosted by Scarlett Gaffey, Executive Director Snow Foundation, the workshop was moderated by John Daley who led insightful, solutions-focused conversations.
The event featured some thought provoking and informative presentations, with one philanthropist saying that it “taught her more about education than in two years of granting” and another describing it as a “masterclass” in impactful giving in education.
Presentations included:
Grattan Institute’s Dr Jordana Hunter’s call to disrupt the status quo and change the ‘system equilibrium’;
to expert panels on curriculum with Dr Ben Jensen (CEO of Learning First), instruction with Distinguished Professor Pam Snow from LaTrobe University, and school leadership with Paul McDermott (former Principal of the remarkable Bluehaven School) and Patrick Ellis (who helped to drive the high impact Catalyst program across the Canberra/Goulburn Archdiocese of Schools), as well as a profile on the unique, high impact Fogarty EDvance program; and
powerful place-based examples of improving clusters of schools from the Mornington Peninsula Foundation and Western Port Secondary
the day was rich with ideas, collaboration, and ambition.
Attendees and presenters explored how philanthropy can be bold, strategic, and long-term in its investment —working hand in hand with schools, communities, and systems to lift outcomes for all students, especially those facing disadvantage.
The event was held as part of an opportunity for members of Philanthropy Australia’s Education Funders Network to experience an inspiring day of learning and connection. Montage CEO and founder, Megan Enders, was delighted to see the event come to fruition; after having the idea for the collaborative event as part of her role as Co-Chair of the Network.
For further reading please see the excellent report prepared by Snow Foundation consultant Jess Del Rio and education expert at Insight ED, Julie Sonnemann: Closing the Education Equity Gap – Philanthropy’s Strategic Role.
Thank you to the Snow Foundation for hosting the workshop and the creation of a high quality evidence brief to support ongoing discussions and consideration as to how philanthropy can be impactful in education.
Thanks also to all presenters, namely:
Jordana Hunter, Ben Jensen, Pam Snow, Jennifer Buckingham, Stephanie Exton, Christopher Quinn, Paul McDermott, Patrick Ellis, Jenny Donovan, John Bush and Megan Enders.
Moderator: John Daley