Impact Strategies

Helping clients understand, articulate and source funding to support innovative ideas and social impact

Problem we solve

Organisations often struggle with grant writing and impact measurement due to a lack of expertise, time constraints, and difficulty understanding funder priorities.

Services

Strategic. Impactful. Measurable.

At Impact Strategies, we blend strategic thinking with compelling storytelling to craft grant proposals and reports that resonate. With deep expertise in funding systems, impact measurement, and cross-sector collaboration, we help you unlock opportunities, demonstrate value, and drive purpose-led results.

These services are designed to help you secure funding and effectively communicate your project's impact.

Grant Strategy and Storytelling

Crafting tailored grant strategies and engaging narratives to enhance your proposals.

Funding Source Knowledge

Understanding and navigating various funding sources and systems.

Grant Application Expertise

Providing in-depth knowledge and guidance through the grant application process.

Impact Measurement

Delivering accurate and insightful impact measurement to demonstrate your project's effectiveness.

About Maxine

With over 20 years of cross-sector leadership, I founded Impact Strategies to help organisations secure funding and shape initiatives that drive meaningful, lasting change. My work has supported the successful delivery of transformative projects—raising millions of dollars across sectors including publishing, IT, sustainability, community services, and health.

Driving Impact Through Leadership

I hold several key industry roles that reflect my commitment to measurable, meaningful change:

Chair, Sydney Organising Committee – Social Impact Measurement Network Australia (SIMNA)
2024 SIMNA Awards Judging Panelist
The Social Enterprise Council of NSW & ACT (SECNA),Women in Social Enterprise (WISE) Member
Secretary – Grants Advisory Committee, Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI)
Member – Research Impact Committee, Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI)

These positions allow me to influence national frameworks for social impact and research excellence.

A Strategic Partner for Purpose-Driven Organisations

As a facilitator and connector, I bring clarity, strategic direction, and compelling communication to every project. I help organisations navigate complexity, secure funding, and amplify their impact.

I believe in the power of collaboration and shared knowledge to build a more compassionate, healthy, and equitable society.

Project Highlights

SIMNA AWARDS

Since 2014, the SIMNA Awards have celebrated the great work being done across Australia to evidence social change. Through the sharing of work, the SIMNA Awards shine a light on the leaders and learners in the social impact measurement space.

SIMNA Awards Finalist

SIMNA Awards Judging Panel

AAMRI Research Impact Project

The Research Impact Framework provides a foundation for developing standardised measures for research impact by identifying a set of agreed indicators for research translation, knowledge mobilisation activities, and practices which support the translation of research.

AAMRI Impact Research Report

Wide Open Air Exchange

An introduction to impact measurement as a process of demonstrating and articulating the positive impacts of an organisation’s programs and projects beyond the reporting of activities and outcomes.

Impact Measurement Podcast

Call to Action

Let's collaborate to create compelling grant proposals and develop a powerful impact strategy. Reach out today and let's make a difference together!

Reach out

Testimonials

I have earned the trust and satisfaction from my clients. Check these messages showing their appreciation!

I had the pleasure of working in a volunteer capacity with Maxine while at the SIMNA Organising Committee Sydney. She has great knowledge of social impact measurement and is an excellent connector of people and organisations. While at SIMNA, she developed partnerships with other organisations, resulting in collaborative events that promoted knowledge sharing and professional networking in the field. She also cultivated relationships with not-for-profit organisations, expanding SIMNA’s reach and impact.

Maxine has great attention to detail; she is persistent, motivated, and goal-orientated. It’s great to work alongside her.

Paula Simoes dos Santos

Non Executive Director SIMNA

Maxine and I collaborated together in her capacity as Chair of the Sydney Organising Committee of the Social Impact Measurement Network of Australia (SIMNA). Maxine was a great partner throughout - working flexibly to align the goals of our two organisations, make decisions, and bring the event to life. We decided that SIMNA would take the lead role, which meant that she coordinated many different contributions across ~10 supporters. The event was a smashing success - we had +110 registrants and +60 attendees. Everybody was prepared and execution was smooth. I'm grateful for Maxine's co-leadership on this event and would gladly collaborate with her again in the future =)

Maxx Silver

Data x Complexity x Social Impact, Working Group Chair Social Enterprise Council of NSW & ACT (SECNA)

I've enjoyed working with Maxine on several successful grant applications at the Children's Medical Research Institute. She is incredibly knowledgeable in philanthropy and consistently demonstrates initiative and strategic thinking. Maxine is intelligent, resourceful, and a great team player who always knows how to navigate challenges and deliver results.

Noa Lamm-Shalem

Head of the CMRI Nuclear Dynamics Group / Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney

Maxine has expertly managed our partnership with CMRI and Pinnacle Charitable Foundation for over 6 years, showcasing exceptional relationship management skills. Her responsiveness, flexibility, and ability to simplify complex research projects have been invaluable. Maxine's contributions have enabled us to celebrate CMRI's leadership and gain valuable insights into their impactful work.

Mary Jung

CEO PNI Foundation

Maxine is an exceptional team member with outstanding organisational skills, a warm personality, and unwavering dedication. Her creative problem-solving, phenomenal listening, and caring nature make her highly recommended for any team.

Lisa Gumieniuk

Mentor

When I was the inaugural chair of the AAMRI Research Impact Working group, we worked together with the group to develop the AAMRI Research Impact Framework. Maxine's expertise and insights into impact measurement were invaluable, particularly with her understanding of social impact and funders, I see that her work on the framework has shaped how CMRI reports on its impactful research, which is great! Maxine was a pleasure to collaborate and work with, and I'd love the opportunity to work with her again.