Meet
Catherine
Brooks
CEO and Founder
A Visionary Leader in Philanthropy
Catherine Brooks is a recognised leader in the non-profit and philanthropic sectors. With over two decades of experience, she has built a reputation for empowering leaders, transforming organisations, and driving measurable impact.
As the CEO and Founder of Equitable Philanthropy, Catherine combines her strategic expertise with a deep passion for creating change. Her work spans a wide range of sectors, including education, health, disability, arts, social services and community development, giving her unparalleled insight into the challenges and opportunities facing non-profits and funders today.
Catherine’s Expertise:
Fundraising Mastery
Catherine has personally guided organisations in developing pitches that secured multi-million-dollar partnerships, including enduring long-term collaborations with major philanthropic foundations.
Leadership Development
A sought-after mentor and coach, Catherine equips CEOs, Chairs, and Boards with the skills and confidence to pitch with clarity and confidence and secure long term partnerships for success.
Philanthropic Insight
As a donor and advocate, Catherine brings a unique dual perspective, understanding the priorities and expectations of both funders and recipients.
Meet
Tim Irving
Associate Consultant – Social Impact & Philanthropy
Expert in Ethical Philanthropy and Impact
Tim holds a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne. Before joining Equitable Philanthropy, Tim worked in a family office that had international investments and ties.
Tim has extensively studied human rights law, bringing a deep understanding of ethical frameworks and systemic issues to his work. He has a strong global outlook, having lived in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Denmark.
Tim works closely with charities to strengthen their fundraising strategies, secure grant funding, and attract major gifts and investments. He also supports philanthropic funders to design and deliver effective giving programs.
Tim spearheads Equitable Philanthropy’s due diligence processes, helping funders give with confidence and clarity, while also identifying opportunities to build the capacity of the social sector.
With a values-led approach and strong analytical skills, Tim helps mission-driven organisations grow their impact.
Meet
Olivia Robertson
Advisor – Client & Project Engagement
Expert in Philanthropic Partnerships and Project Delivery
Olivia holds a Bachelor of Science in Immunology and brings a unique blend of scientific insight and commercial experience to Equitable Philanthropy. Olivia has worked at a global pharmaceutical company across general medicine and dental portfolios, gaining experience in sales, brand strategy, and omnichannel marketing.
Olivia channels this experience into helping charities and funders connect, collaborate, and maximise impact. Her strength lies in understanding the needs of stakeholders, coordinating projects with care, and supporting organisations to articulate their value and secure sustainable funding.
With a purpose-driven mindset, Olivia is passionate about empowering organisations to grow their impact while helping funders create giving programs that deliver meaningful, lasting change.