The Philanthropic Mouse that Roared
The Vermont Charitable Giving Miracle
Speaker: Emily Morrow

Vermont is a state of about 600,000 people, located well off the beaten track in the northeast corner of the United States, bearing a striking socio-cultural, economic and demographic resemblance to Tasmania. It has many farms and, at last count, more cows than people. Its residents are not particularly wealthy. How, then, over the last 30 years, has Vermont developed a philanthropic ethic that is the envy of the US, and been the state in which the most innovative nonprofit organizations have flourished?

• What were the national, state, local and individual factors which together brought about this philanthropic "perfect storm?"

• What were the "tipping point" events, attitudes and catalysts which were pivotal in the process?

• Which of these same elements are present in Australia today, which would be cultivated and what relevance might this have to the onset of a philanthropic renaissance in Australia, particularly in relation to increased giving by individual donors?

• What tax law changes could be critical in increasing individual philanthropy here?

Emily Morrow will reflect on her experience in the Vermont philanthropic sector and its potential relevance to charitable giving in Australia. Her hope is that these reflections, as well as input from the audience, might begin a continuing discussion about these important issues in the nonprofit sector.

Emily Morrow was a trusts, estates, and tax lawyer for 25 years in Vermont's largest law firm. She served on the boards of and chaired many of Vermont's leading nonprofit organizations, including the Vermont Community Foundation, which, in a period of 15 years, grew from an unfunded organisation to one with an endowment of $150 million. Emily now resides in Sydney, provides executive coaching services to clients in both the for-profit and the not-for-profit sectors, and serves on the boards of the National Heart Foundation (NSW Chapter), the Sydney Women's International Club, and OzGreen. One of her greatest joys in life is being involved with nonprofit organizations and helping them maximize their potential.