Corporate Philanthropy can tackle our pressing social challenges
Corporate philanthropy can catalyse change and deliver major social outcomes if the right model is used, according to PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan.
PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan says ESSC model can solve homelessness in NSW.
Speaking on a panel at Philanthropy Australia’s National Conference, Mr Sullivan outlined the success of one of Australia’s biggest collective impact projects – the End Street Sleeping Collaboration (ESSC).
Mr Sullivan was joined on the panel by ESSC CEO Graham West and Erin Longbottom – Nursing Unit Manager – Homelessness Health Service, St Vincent Health Network Sydney.
The PAYCE Foundation was the founding philanthropic partner of the ESSC project, which aims to reduce street sleeping 50 per cent by 2025, and end street sleeping by 2030.
Mr Sullivan, who is also a Director of the End Street Sleeping Collaboration, said the PAYCE Foundation was there at the establishment of the organisation based on the model of collaboration.
The ESSC brings together the major Not-for-Profit organisations and the NSW Government to work together to end rough sleeping in NSW.
The project uses the international methodology of the Institute of Global Homelessness and the ESSC has partnered with Microsoft to create an innovative digital platform which captures real-time data on street sleeping.
ESSC is one of just two cities in the world to meet its targets – already cutting street sleeping by 25 per cent.
ESSC continues to build its support network, with the Berg Family Foundation, the Grahame Map Foundation and the Property Industry Foundation all joining the Collaboration.
The PAYCE Foundation was attracted to the Collaboration because of the commitment of the NSW Government and the sector to work collaboratively to solve the issue.
In addition to funding, the PAYCE Foundation is directly involved in the project, providing governance support, and assistance to several project steering committees.
Mr Sullivan said: “We believe street sleeping is solvable. We are more than a funder of the collaboration – indeed we are a founding partner, directly participating in the project.”
