AC is delighted to announce the appointment of Craig Furneaux as Professor of Business and Social Impact. An internationally recognised researcher in philanthropy and nonprofit studies, Professor Furneaux brings extensive expertise in the organisations that deliver much of Australia’s social and community support. His appointment will strengthen AC’s research in business, social impact and the Australian nonprofit sector.
Professor Furneaux’s research examines how nonprofit organisations and social enterprises can grow, remain accountable to the communities they serve, and respond to change in order to achieve lasting social impact. This work is especially relevant to churches, charities and other faith-based organisations as they seek to remain faithful to their mission while navigating increasingly complex financial, regulatory and organisational environments.
Professor Furneaux’s appointment reflects AC’s commitment to research that serves the church and contributes to the common good. His work will also create new opportunities for collaboration across AC’s disciplines, bringing business and management expertise into conversation with education, theology and the social sciences.
Professor Furneaux has more than 30 years of experience researching and leading innovation within social enterprises and the nonprofit sector. Before joining AC, he spent more than two decades at QUT, where he led the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies.
He has produced more than 60 scholarly and industry publications addressing areas such as organisational accountability, capability development, philanthropy, social enterprise, social procurement and impact measurement. His research has helped organisations and policymakers better understand how nonprofits can build resilience, demonstrate their contribution and direct their resources towards the people and communities they exist to serve. He has also held senior editorial responsibilities in his field, including serving as an Area Editor for the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, the world’s leading journal in nonprofit studies.
The appointment illustrates AC’s growing investment in business research, and a commitment to bringing together expertise across disciplines to address complex social challenges. Professor Furneaux will lead a number of collaborative and interdisciplinary projects, and will translate research into practical resources that support good governance and meaningful social impact.
For more information about Professor Craig Furneaux and his research, visit his faculty profile.
