Giving Connect is a social enterprise that brings together a team of global impact experts and coaches to offer practical, evidence-based coaching and advice to our clients.
We build capability and strengthen partnerships — helping good organisations do great things.
Our history
From a question posed by our founding partner in 2016 to a patented advice framework, and over a decade of international partnerships across the for-purpose sector — our journey reflects a commitment to collaboration, capability-building, and impact, one partnership at a time.
Inspiration
Giving Connect concept was born in response to a challenge from our founding partner, The Philips Foundation: “how do we connect, collaborate and learn more effectively from our philanthropic partners?”.
International Best Practice
Our Advice framework is born via a strategic alliance with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.
Framework Design
Giving Connect advice framework is developed in partnership with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, The Australian Centre for Social Innovation and Australian Executor Trustees Ltd.
Framework Patented
IP Australia grant innovation patent on Giving Connect’s advice framework.
Co-Design
Giving Connect advice model tested with over 45 different philanthropies (spanning donor advised funds, private foundations, testamentary charitable trusts, corporate foundations and individual donors) and over 100 non profit organisations.
Social Enterprise Endorsement
Giving Connect codifies its commitment to social impact via amendment to company constitution. Endorsed as Social Enterprise via Social Traders.
Meet the Giving Connect Team & Coaches
We’re a small, experienced team with deep roots in the for-purpose and philanthropic sectors. Our expertise spans both funding and implementing social impact. We also work with a network of coaches through which our clients access global best practice aligned with their impact focus.
Team
Ben Clark
Becky Schutt
Linda Jones
Priyanka Willis
Melania Niken Larasati
Anthony Esselmont
Annabelle Dawson
Advisors
Dr Sumera Jabeen
Jess Ledieu
Dr Sophie Lea
Our clients
We’re proud to work with a diverse network of organisations and funders, committed to creating lasting, systemic change.
Want to learn more?
Let’s talk about how Giving Connect can support your organisation’s growth and impact.
Ben Clark
Founder & Managing Partner
Ben is a recognised leader in the for purpose sector, having worked in operational, management, executive and governance philanthropy and fundraising roles in his career working for both philanthropic and not for profit organisations.
He currently also works as the Group Impact Adviser for the Phillips Family Office.
Ben graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from University of Melbourne in 2002 and was the recipient of the Churchill Fellowship in 2007 to investigate innovative cultural philanthropy in the USA, UK and Canada. In 2019 he graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Company Directors Course.
Linda Jones
Partner – Strategy
Linda has worked with for purpose organisations for 26 years and worked with a range of state-based and national charities across all business functions from leadership to fundraising, communications and business development.
In this time she has developed a reputation for her holistic, friendly and systematic approach to solving complex strategic challenges.
Linda has a Graduate Certificate in Public Relations from Deakin University and a HR foundations certificate from Australian Human Resource Institute.
Becky Schutt
Partner – Community
Becky is a senior for purpose leader with 25 years’ experience co-developing and delivering inspiring initiatives in the arts, homelessness, international development and social entrepreneurship in over 20 countries worldwide.
Her clients have included national and local governments, NGOs, universities, cultural institutions, networks and social enterprises. Becky begun her career aboard the Artrain, a museum on a train that traveled the southern United States.
She received her BA(Hons) from the University of Michigan in Arts & Ideas, and is a former Fellow and lecturer at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School, where she received her MBA in 2005.
Becky opened Giving Connect’s US operations in 2024.
Melania Niken Larasati
Project Lead
Melania is a dedicated and experienced Project Manager in leading digital, community-based, and mobile-driven educational initiatives across low- and middle-income countries. She brings expertise in designing and scaling inclusive, evidence-based programs that advance youth wellbeing, education, and health outcomes in underserved communities.
She has a strong background in child protection, with hands-on experience supporting refugee minors and implementing trauma-informed, child-centred approaches. Melania holds a Master of Child Rights and Development from King’s College London, and currently pursuing a qualification in the Early Childhood Sector.
Jess Ledieu
Impact Adviser
Jess has dedicated her career to strengthening international social enterprises through aid and strategic giving. Her holistic expertise covers all aspects of program management, stakeholder engagement and fundraising.
For the past seven years, she has worked at the School For Life in impact and fundraising roles.
Jess received her BA in International Development Studies from Australian Catholic University, was selected to participate in Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead program, and is a certified yoga instructor for children and adults.
Dr Sophie Lea
Impact Adviser
Dr Sophie Lea is a senior mental health consultant, academic at Monash University, counsellor, clinical supervisor and former teacher with over 25 years of experience supporting youth and adult mental health. Her work focuses on prosocial practices in education, trauma-informed practice, and strengthening the professional wellbeing and capability of education leaders and therapists in the helping professions.
Sophie is the co-founder and research lead of Kind Schools, contributing to large-scale studies on kindness and wellbeing across more than 1,200 schools in the Asia-Pacific region. She brings deep expertise in youth wellbeing, mental health and reflective practice to her consultancy work.
Priyanka Willis
Impact Adviser
Priyanka Willis is a highly accomplished fundraising and philanthropy specialist with 15 years of experience. She has a strong track record in managing the full grant cycle, cultivating high-net-worth donors, and driving significant revenue growth.
She has a Masters of Social Science, International Development from RMIT and a Bachelor of Business & Commerce from Monash University.
Annabelle Dawson
Impact Researcher
Ash Sparkes
Accounts
Ash has experience working within corporate, retail and non for profit sectors, working in accounts and finance. She has a passion for streamlining operations and enhancing organisational efficiency.
Ash provides support to philanthropic and charitable boards in a secretarial capacity. She also acts as the primary administrator and liaison between auditors, administrators, trustees and regulators for Giving Connect’s portfolio of Australian based philanthropic clients.
Anthony Esselmont
Head of Impact Performance
Anthony brings a strong combination of financial expertise, analytical thinking, and systems design to his role as Head of Impact Performance at Giving Connect. He supports the team by strengthening financial insight, improving data and reporting systems, and helping ensure the organisation can clearly understand and communicate the impact of its work.
Over the course of his career, he has worked across banking, digital business, and consulting environments. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance & Accounting), Graduate Certificate in Marketing and a Graduate Diploma in Corporate Environment and Sustainability.Outside of work, Anthony enjoys exploring the outdoors.
He loves travelling, hiking and climbing mountains, and loves nothing more than a dip in an ice-cold mountain stream after a long day on the trail.