Benefolk launches on-demand, online EXPERT BAR service
Likened to ‘telehealth for the social sector’, Benefolk EXPERT BAR helps NFPs, charities and social enterprises more easily access expertise and advice from the sector’s most experienced experts in governance to fundraising, marketing and technology, human resources and financial management, social enterprises and NDIS - and everything in between. Users simply head to the Benefolk website, find the expert they need and book consultations of 45, 60 or 90 minutes, either online or over the phone.
The private, confidential service caters specifically to time-poor organisational leaders and staff, where resources are stretched thin and access to specialist functional expertise is not often available. Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) data shows that 73.6% of charities are very small or small. Unfortunately, their advisory and expertise needs are often overlooked. Benefolk EXPERT BAR is specifically designed to be a cost effective way to bridge this gap and address the inequities that exist in the social sector around who can, and cannot, access professional advice and support.
Philanthropy Australia CEO, Maree Sidey, the keynote speaker at the launch, 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.
“I wish something like EXPERT BAR was available earlier in my 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.
“I’m delighted to see Philanthropy Australia members such as The Ian Potter Foundation, the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and the William Angliss Charitable Fund get behind the Expert Bar. I encourage grantmakers and funders to seize this opportunity to strengthen the charity sector at this critical time, when society is facing such great challenges,” Ms Sidey said.
Benefolk CEO and Founder, Julia Keady, said that this service had been many years in the making and she’s proud to see it come to fruition.
“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.
“While more than 15,000 organisations have accessed Benefolk’s free resources including The Community Well, the Social Sector Video Library and webinars, only 300 have been able to pay for consulting or professional services. This shows the significant gap that exists in the number of organisations that can afford expertise and assistance and the need for this service.
“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. It means that leaders, especially emerging and first-time CEOs, can get prompt and affordable support in bite-sized conversations and consultations when they need it.
“Social sector organisations can confidently go online to book meetings with experienced and pre-vetted Benefolk Network consultants, advisors, coaches and trainers,” Ms Keady explained.
Benefolk EXPERT BAR is also an efficient and effective way for grantmakers and funders to scale their capacity building efforts by pre-paying for vouchers to support their grantee partners, or particular cause areas or cohorts. All proceeds from EXPERT BAR will also help build and maintain resources such as The Community Well.
EXPERT BAR launches with 35 experts and others will join monthly over the coming 12 months. It is expected that more than 75 experts will be available by 2025.
The initiative was developed by Benefolk, with support from The Ian Potter Foundation, Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation, Beyond Bank, and William Angliss Charitable Fund.
Expert Bar launched with an in-person activation in Melbourne, where 35 organisation leaders had two 45 minute sessions with a range of Benefolk experts - a first of its kind in the sector.
