Raising the bar on sector capability

Benefolk Expert Bar is designed to connect users with expertise from some of the sector’s most experienced practitioners.

Users can schedule consultations with experts in a wide range of areas, from fundraising and marketing to governance, technology and financial management.

They can search the Benefolk website for the expert they need, then book a 45-, 60- or 90-minute consultation online or via phone.

The private, confidential service caters specifically to time-poor organisational leaders and staff, whose resources are often stretched thin and whose access to specialist expertise is often limited.

The initiative follows widespread calls from sector leaders such as Fundraising Institute Australia CEO Katherine Raskob, Community Council for Australia CEO David Crosbie and Alannah and Madeline Foundation CEO Sarah Davies for improved capability and training in the NFP and charity sector.

Ms Davies, who is also Benefolk chair, said she had long championed the need for increased investment in capacity building in for-purpose organisations.

“When [Benefolk CEO Julia Keady] first told me about her idea and goal for an Expert Bar about five years ago, I could instantly see how transformational it could be for our sector.”

The Expert Bar was launched recently in Melbourne by Philanthropy Australia CEO Maree Sidey, who spoke about the importance of investing in the capacity and capability of NFPs to help level the playing field.

“Expert Bar is an excellent innovation from Benefolk that shows its deep understanding of the sector and what NFP leaders need now more than ever to succeed,” said Ms Sidey.

She said she wished a service such as Expert Bar had been available earlier in her own career.

“Providing leaders with easy online or telephone access to sector experts in more than 200 capability areas is sure to supercharge capacity building and reduce inequities for NFP organisations, especially in regional and remote areas,” she said.

The initiative was developed by Benefolk with support from the Ian Potter Foundation, the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, the William Angliss Charitable Fund and Beyond Bank.

Benefolk CEO and founder Julia Keady said the service had launched with access to 35 experts, and that number would increase to 75 over the next 12 months.

“Our team, our partners and experts are all super excited to see this launched, because we know it’s a very practical way that we can wrap our arms around changemakers who are working in high levels of complexity and change, and at risk of mental ill-health and wellbeing crisis,” she said.

Ms Keady said the relatively low number of for-purpose organisations able to pay for professional expertise or assistance highlighted the need for an affordable alternative such as Expert Bar to bridge the capability gap.

“Expert Bar can connect them to the advice and support they need, when they need it, and it is an easy way to access relevant professional skills and timely expert advice.”