Our most read SVA Quarterly articles from FY22

Illustration of a woman with a telescope with a heading that says 'our most read SVA Quarterly articles from FY22'

To mark the end of financial year, we are highlighting five SVA Quarterly articles – authored by the SVA Consulting team – that most resonated with our readers.

Over the past year, SVA Quarterly has published a wide range of articles, sharing insights from SVA’s work and across the social sector to prompt learning and discussion about effective practice. First Nations, financial wellbeing and food insecurity were among the most read topics.

So without further ado, here are the five most read articles over the past year.

1. Indigenous evaluation: how you do it is as important as what you find out

June 2022

Illustration of two people talking in front of a house

In 2020, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ) re-engaged SVA Consulting to evaluate its impact on Martu, the traditional custodians of a vast area of the Great Sandy, Little Sandy and Gibson deserts in the Western Desert of the Pilbara and among the most traditional Aboriginal groups in Australia. Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ) was created by Martu 15 years ago to preserve Martu culture, build a viable, sustainable economy in Martu communities, and build realistic pathways for young Martu to a healthy and prosperous future.

SVA Consulting has enjoyed a long working relationship with KJ and Martu communities. The 2020 evaluation, led by Alison Kwok and Simon Faivel, was a chance to build an Indigenous-led approach that truly put the Martu voice at the centre. This was an opportunity to look back, listen and translate Martu’s experiences not only for KJ and Martu, but also for people working together with First Nations communities.

2. Paying what it takes to create impact

March 2022

Illustration of a car with the engine visible

For many years, funders and not-for-profit staff have expected overhead costs to be minimised, or worse – not be funded. As the result, many Australian not-for-profits are not funded for the actual cost of what they do. They lack basic infrastructure to run programs; some organisations even struggle to exist.

In Paying what it takes to create impact, SVA Consulting Manager Sam Thorp discusses SVA and the Centre for Social Impact (CSI)’s work in investigating the true cost of delivering meaningful outcomes. This article looks at what we could do to build strong and resilient not-for-profits capable of solving society’s most challenging problems.

3. Restoring the balance of power

March 2022

Illustration of two men sharing learnings

In 2020, SVA Consulting Director Brendan Ferguson found himself working as the Interim CEO of a Yolŋu organisation, Aboriginal Resource Development Services (ARDS) Aboriginal Corporation. For eight months, Brendan managed a First Nation organisation and reported to its board. His situation is not unusual; the vast majority of executives of other Yolŋu organisations in east Arnhem are non-Indigenous people.

In this article, Brendan reflects on what is required of balanda (non-Indigenous people) occupying positions of power in Yolŋu community-controlled organisations. With input from Gawura Wanambi and Ben Grimes, the Chair and current CEO of ARDS respectively, Brendan identifies important qualities that would help a balanda executive to work successfully with Yolŋu.

4. A sector-wide approach to measuring impact 

December 2021

Illustration of a pyramid of tape measures

Ecstra Foundation is one of the largest funders of financial wellbeing in Australia. Today, it works with over 100 stakeholders and has committed over $23 million in grants over three years, funding a wide range of financial wellbeing initiatives from financial education to women’s economic security.

Here SVA Consulting Director Louise Campbell and Ecstra Foundation Head of Policy and Engagement Stephanie Hui discuss Ecstra’s work, its need for a consistent impact measurement approach and their experience implementing Ecstra’s new framework.

5. A systems approach to food insecurity

July 2021

Illustration of an umbrella covered with food

Food insecurity is a challenge for many Australians, with 1 in 25 people running out of food and being unable to buy more. Over the past two years, many Australians have even experienced food insecurity for the first time.

In this article, SVA Consulting Manager Divya Roy explores the issue of food insecurity in Australia. She discusses our work with the City of Greater Geelong: how supply chain mapping, leveraging data and enhancing the collaboration in food relief system could support people experiencing vulnerability in local communities.