![Rona lynn-McDonald](https://cdn.magzter.com/1415665605/1717028777/articles/ewH5yJ8wE1717151372633/RONA-LYNNMCDONALD.jpg)
While I had some success in philanthropy early on, I realised pretty quickly that that was because of the proximity I had to Melbourne, to privilege and to whiteness - these things that so many [other] First Nations people don't have access to," says Rona Glynn-McDonald, a Kaytetye woman and founding CEO of Common Ground, an online not-for-profit organisation that amplifies and shares Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and stories. At 27 years old, Glynn-McDonald is also an award-winning filmmaker, musician and activist.
Although many of Common Ground's early funders came from networks Glynn-McDonald had developed at university in Melbourne, when she tried to extend those networks to people from her hometown in Alice Springs, it was challenging. "I came to understand that philanthropy is a very colonial system. It's all about relationships and power. And the way that nonIndigenous folk give is based off their visions of impact rather than our community's vision of impact."
Seeing the large spike in donations that Common Ground and other First Nations community spaces received during the Black Lives Matter movement was a turning point. Glynn-McDonald started to question how philanthropy could be redesigned to better include and empower First Nations people.
"We had a huge influx that came in through our donations page, a donations page that rarely gets people redistributing wealth - well, back then it didn't," says Glynn-McDonald. However, the generosity was short-lived. "After a week, it just completely dried up."
It made Glynn-McDonald question where donors were now directing those funds instead. "Where was that money going? Who determined where it was going? Why did it stop? And what opportunities were there to explore ongoing mechanisms?"
This story is from the Issue 210 edition of WellBeing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 210 edition of WellBeing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![SKY WALKING](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/BsXWH2Zs21717159633604/SKY-WALKING.jpg)
SKY WALKING
Explore the untamed beauty of the Gondwana Rainforests, where pristine pockets of wilderness beckon with thundering waterfalls, misty forest trails and encounters with rare wildlife.
![Unleash your sense of adventure in Shoalhaven](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/1DSKJ2TIs1717159340878/UNLEASH-YOUR-SENSE-OF-ADVENTURE-IN-SHOALHAVEN.jpg)
Unleash your sense of adventure in Shoalhaven
You won't fully appreciate the sheer size of the Shoalhaven region until you immerse yourself in its hidden treasures such as Jervis Bay, Huskisson, Berry, Mollymook and more.
![Plyometric tennis flow](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/bbkzD3K1H1717159136921/PLYOMETRIC-TENNIS-FLOW.jpg)
Plyometric tennis flow
Low-amplitude plyometric training is the number-one reason why tennis players' bodies remain strong, resilient and injury-free well beyond their 40s. This versatile workout regimen can be performed anytime, anywhere. Simply find a court summon your determination and get moving
![YOGA TO CONQUER THE FEAR OF DEATH](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/7xdqB9J_D1717158736373/YOGA-TO-CONQUER-THE-FEAR-OF-DEATH.jpg)
YOGA TO CONQUER THE FEAR OF DEATH
In a world of constant change, there's one immutable truth we all share: our inevitable encounter with death. Despite its universal presence, fear of mortality abounds, subtly shaping our lives and decisions. Through the lens of yoga and mindfulness, we discover pathways to confront this fear, unlocking a profound sense of peace and purpose in our existence.
![LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/g3olytIjo1717158449897/LOOKING-BACK-MOVING-FORWARD.jpg)
LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD
Nostalgia is often touted as an unhelpful emotion, but recent research suggests reminiscing about the past can enrich our present and guide us towards a more fulfilling future.
![ANCIENT wayfinders](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/3TL2p9FRb1717157920583/ANCIENT-WAYFINDERS.jpg)
ANCIENT wayfinders
Amid modern challenges, indigenous wisdom may offer a path to healing. From fostering community bonds to embracing spiritual connections with nature, we explore the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in today's world.
![COMMUNITY & COOPERATION in the cost-of-living crisis](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/0_gtber8D1717157264935/COMMUNITY-COOPERATION-IN-THE-COSTOFLIVING-CRISIS.jpg)
COMMUNITY & COOPERATION in the cost-of-living crisis
In the face of escalating living expenses and economic uncertainty, embracing mutual-aid initiatives and community-driven solutions can alleviate financial strain and foster resilience in times of need.
![On the men you](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/P6709Dic11717156942842/ON-THE-MEN-YOU.jpg)
On the men you
Finding your personality revealed in the foods you choose from a menu might seem like a piece of New Age flummery, but there is research suggesting that your food choices might reveal more about you than you suspect.
![Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus)](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/Ega9DTg2i1717154629164/SWEET-POTATO-IPOMOEA-BATATUS.jpg)
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus)
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse with many sustainable healing benefits.
![Green Beat](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8074/1716047/tyWlV-m651717154509797/GREEN-BEAT.jpg)
Green Beat
All the latest in environmental issues