The Resource Shelf
The sources that have shaped our (best) practice at Equitable Philanthropy
Over the past few years, as I’ve worked with charity founders, CEOs, funders, philanthropists and board directors, one truth keeps surfacing: the best practitioners are constantly learning. They don’t wait for answers — they seek them out, from books, podcasts, thought leaders, peers, and lived experience.
This is why I’m launching a living resource list: a collection of the ideas, tools, and thinkers that have shaped the approach of Equitable Philanthropy, to building impactful partnerships, delivering compelling pitches, and creating long-term fundraising strategies that actually work.
Why a Reading List?
When we built the From Pitch to Impact program, I drew not just from my experience as a lawyer, philanthropy advisory and fundraiser, but from the shelves of books I’ve highlighted, the newsletters I’ve saved, and the podcast episodes I’ve replayed more than once.
This resource list is for anyone who wants to:
Get better at telling their organisation’s story.
Understand the psychology of giving.
Learn how to pitch with clarity, confidence, and strategy.
Build relationships that go beyond transactional funding.
Lead with purpose in a complex and shifting landscape.
I try and read at least one book a week, often more. I listen to international voices in philanthropy, social change, behavioural science, storytelling, innovation, and systems thinking. I engage with First Nations thinkers, sector disruptors, quiet builders, and bold visionaries.
And I want to share it all with you.
What You’ll Find in the List
This growing list will include:
Books that inform my frameworks and challenge my thinking
Podcasts I recommend for sector leaders
Articles, reports, and newsletters worth bookmarking
Practical tools and templates I’ve found (or created) to support fundraising and leadership work
Global perspectives that shift how we see our local work
Some of these resources I’ve woven into my workshops. Others are deep cuts that sparked something unexpected in me.
This isn’t a static syllabus — it’s a living shelf. I’ll be updating it regularly on Substack as I continue reading, listening, learning, and practicing.
Join the Learning Loop
If you’ve taken the From Pitch to Impact course or are one of our consulting clients, you’ll start recognising some familiar titles. But whether you’re just starting out in your fundraising / philanthropy journey or leading a national organisation, I hope this shelf becomes a helpful companion.
Subscribe and follow along so that you can keep abreast of the list as it grows.
Have a resource that’s transformed your work?
A must-listen podcast or a hidden gem of a book?
Reply or comment below — I’d love to add it to the shelf.
Together, let’s keep building better bridges between ideas, people, and impact.
The Resource Shelf
On Money and Investing:
Capital Allocator Podcast, especially the two interviews with Rahul Moodgal
On Philanthropy:
On Donor Stewardship:
On Leadership and Presentation Skills:
Fundraising Texts:
Podcast Recommendations:
David Sloan (Head of Philanthropy at Wesley Research Institute) recommended:
In Defence of Philanthropy
Worth looking at Brad Quiring’s list too as I'd suggested a few titles there, and his CTA also got a lot of suggestions:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/brad-quiring-292702b0_the-ultimate-fundraising-book-list-activity-7303450494570532864-_T9k?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAINuuQB3cic9UT-e51g5gPC0OfwpmG0FfUTools and Frameworks Supporting Responsible AI in Philanthropy
As the philanthropic sector begins to explore the potential of artificial intelligence and data-driven approaches, a number of platforms, frameworks, and tools have emerged to guide funders and nonprofits in using these technologies responsibly.
These resources are designed to support ethical adoption, strengthen data governance, minimise risks, and ensure that technology enhances — rather than undermines — the trust, equity, and mission-focus central to philanthropy.
Below are several examples of tools and initiatives helping organisations navigate responsible AI integration:
DATA4Philanthropy.net
A global peer-learning network developed by The GovLab at NYU, with support from the Paul Ramsay Foundation and Siegel Family Endowment. It offers resources like primers, case studies, and insights to help funders integrate data-driven approaches ethically into their strategies, grantmaking, and evaluations.
Responsible AI Adoption Framework by Technology Association of Grantmakers and Project Evident
This framework provides grantmakers with pragmatic guidance for adopting AI in alignment with core values. It emphasizes organisational, ethical, and technical considerations to ensure AI usage enables human flourishing, minimises risk, and maximises benefit. Download the framework here: https://projectevident.org/resource/responsible-ai-adoption-in-philanthropy/
Fundraising.AI
An initiative that brings together fundraisers, technologists, and ethicists to promote responsible AI use in fundraising. It offers resources like the “Good Kit” and hosts summits to discuss ethical AI practices in the sector.
The Centre for Effective Philanthropy
The Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) supports funders in navigating the opportunities and risks of AI by providing research, practical insights, and a strong ethical framework for responsible adoption. In their 2025 AI Roadmap for Philanthropy, CEP highlights the critical need for foundations to move beyond experimentation with AI tools and invest in formal governance structures, such as clear AI policies and advisory committees. CEP emphasises that trust, transparency, and fairness must be central to how funders integrate AI into their operations. By drawing attention to sector-wide gaps in privacy safeguards, risk management, and staff skills, CEP encourages philanthropic organisations to approach AI not merely as a tool for efficiency, but as a responsibility requiring thoughtful leadership and community-centered stewardship.
https://cep.org/blog/an-ai-roadmap-for-philanthropy-in-2025/
NB: An equivalent organisation but for the NFP sector (i.e. for charities and organisations) is NTEN – Nonprofit Technology Network
(U.S.)
A major international voice helping not-for-profits adopt technology responsibly.
Publishes ethical technology guides, including around data, AI, and responsible innovation.
You can learn more about them here: nten.org
Other local domestic organisations include:
· Our Community (communitydirectors.com.au ) and
· Infoxchange, see more here: connectingup.org
Further reading and resources on AI:
Artificial Intelligence and the Community Sector: https://www.communitydirectors.com.au/books/book-artificial-intelligence-and-the-community-sector
AI for Nonprofits Resource Hub: https://www.nten.org/learn/resource-hubs/artificial-intelligence
An AI Roadmap for Philanthropy in 2025: https://cep.org/blog/an-ai-roadmap-for-philanthropy-in-2025/
CCS Fundraising AI report: https://www.ccsfundraising.com/insights/ai-in-fundraising/
Responsible AI – how Philanthropy can and should support the movement: https://cep.org/blog/responsible-ai-how-philanthropy-can-and-should-support-the-movement/
2024 State of Philanthropy Tech Survey: https://www.tagtech.org/report/2024-state-of-philanthropy-tech-survey/
Philanthropy Australia’s new initiative: Data4philanthropy:
https://www.data4philanthropy.net/
AI for Impact: The PRISM Framework for Responsible AI in Social Innovation: https://www.weforum.org/publications/ai-for-impact-the-prism-framework-for-responsible-ai-in-social-innovation/
And sign up to this newsletter, it’s a great resource:
https://www.therundown.ai/