Last Thursday the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, gave the oration at the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation's annual Inspiring Philanthropy Celebration.

It was a remarkable address and resonated with one of our findings in our recent Greater Melbourne Vital Signs report and my own reflections on the major transitions.

Many foundations around the world are increasingly using evidence to inform their granting and other programs.  Community foundations like Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, which are a hub for charitable giving and granting in a particular community, are focused on the key issues facing our communities and also on growing philanthropy.

Last week was a rare opportunity for me to learn from other foundations and cities about the concept of EcoCities.