The Independent Philanthropy Association of South Africa (IPASA) Philanthropy sympossium memories for 2024. Photo from IPASA
The Independent Philanthropy Association of South Africa (IPASA) will host its 10th Annual Philanthropy Symposium on 28–29 October 2025 at Asara Wine Farm in Stellenbosch.
Taking place under the overall theme Stronger Together: Philanthropy for a Changing World, the Symposium will bring together funders from across South Africa and beyond to reflect, collaborate, and chart new directions for philanthropy in rapidly changing times.
As the only gathering dedicated exclusively to funders in South Africa, the IPASA Annual Philanthropy Symposium offers a unique space for independent and private philanthropy peers to come together, exchange knowledge, and strengthen collaboration around issues that matter most to their work.
The 2025 programme will reflect on the past, present, and future of philanthropy, exploring how the sector can adapt to remain relevant, proactive, and sustainable in the face of uncertainty and disruption.
Programme Sub-Themes
- The importance of building the South African independent philanthropy ecosystem role both locally and globally.
- Philanthropy and Crises – Reflecting and Responding Collectively to Crises in Times of Change.
- Future Planning for Philanthropy
- How the Next Generation is Shaping the Future of Philanthropy
- How will AI and Technology Help and Challenge Philanthropy in the Future?
- Embracing Innovation and Risk into the Future
- Leadership for Future Philanthropy
Pre-Symposium Masterclass
Ahead of the main programme, a Masterclass on Impact Investing for Foundations will take place on 27 October 2025, also at Asara Wine Farm.
Open to all registered delegates, the masterclass will provide a practical introduction to impact investing and its potential to strengthen philanthropic strategies.
Why It Matters
The 2025 Symposium marks a decade of IPASA’s work in convening funders and strengthening the South African philanthropy ecosystem.
This milestone comes at a time of profound global and local change, with philanthropy being called to adapt to mounting crises, shifting economic realities, and the urgent demand for more innovative and collaborative approaches.
Delegates will have the opportunity to engage in critical conversations that look back at philanthropy’s progress, confront the pressing challenges of the present, and explore emerging trends shaping the future of giving.
Through plenary sessions, interactive discussions, and peer-to-peer learning, the symposium will provide funders with the tools, insights, and networks needed to show up collectively with courage, coherence, and clarity for the challenges ahead.
The emphasis will be on building solidarity among funders, embracing risk and innovation, amplifying youth voices, and harnessing the power of technology and collaboration.
By convening a diverse group of sector leaders, next-generation philanthropists, and changemakers, the symposium will reaffirm the belief that philanthropy is strongest when it acts together.
For more information, please contact:
candyce@ipa-sa.org.za | louise@ipa-sa.org.za
About IPASA
The Independent Philanthropy Association South Africa (IPASA) is a voluntary association of independent philanthropists, private foundations, and other grantmakers committed to growing and strengthening philanthropy in South Africa.
Established in 2015, IPASA provides a platform for funders to collaborate, share knowledge, and promote effective, responsible, and sustainable giving.
By facilitating dialogue, building networks, and amplifying the voice of independent philanthropy, IPASA plays a vital role in shaping a stronger, more resilient philanthropic ecosystem locally and connecting it to global movements for change
