On Wednesday 26 November 2025, Cathedral Hall at Australian Catholic University in Melbourne became a hub of inspiration and collaboration as CDF hosted the final Catholic Connect workshop for the year. Under the theme ‘ Inspiring Generosity: Encouraging Greater Giving for Purpose and Impact ,’ more than 80 leaders from across Catholic organisations and the for-purpose sector gathered to explore the evolving landscape of fundraising, philanthropy, and advocacy. Understanding the Landscape The afternoon began with John McLeod from JBWere Family Advisory & Philanthropic Services, who provided a comprehensive overview of giving trends across Australia. His presentation painted a picture of both challenge and opportunity: while the for-purpose sector has experienced consistent growth, with income rising 8% annually since 1996, organisations now face tighter margins as expenses outpace income growth. What emerged most powerfully from the data was the story of generational change. With Australia's ageing population and an estimated $5.4 trillion expected to transfer through inheritances over the next 20 years, the sector stands at a critical juncture. The JBWere findings highlighted that while fewer taxpayers are claiming charitable deductions, those who do give are becoming increasingly generous. The challenge ahead for Catholic organisations is to normalise charitable bequests and engage the next generation of donors.