AICD launches scholarships for WA’s NFP sector

The Australian Institute of Company Directors is inviting Western Australia’s directors and executives of small not-for-profit organisations to apply for a place in its new NFP Scholarship program.

For the first time, AICD is offering 20 scholarships to the state's NFP leaders, which will allow them to complete one of three respected courses – Governance Foundations for NFP Directors, Reporting to the Board and Role of the NFP Chair.

According to the institute, the NFP Scholarship program is the first of its kind and will provide recipients with the opportunity to develop their skills and capabilities to be the NFP leaders of the future.

The scholarship program will be run nationally in 2017-18 and has been created for directors and senior managers of NFPs who otherwise would be unable to attend governance education programs due to the financial constraints of the organisation.

The institute has also launched 10 new national scholarships for women working for non-commercial organisations in the disability sector to complete the AICD’s company directors course. These scholarships have been funded by a $70,000 grant from the federal government.

AICD chair Elizabeth Proust said good governance had never been more important for the sector, particularly in light of the increasing complexity and demand on NFPs.

“More than 600,000 not for profits operate in Australia, and charities alone employ over 1 million people and contribute in excess of $134 billion to the economy,” Ms Proust said.

“The non-profit sector impacts the lives of millions of Australians, and thus the governance knowledge of its future leaders is of utmost importance.

“The sector continues to be a major focus for the Institute, and these new scholarships underscore our commitment to supporting the directors of smaller not for profits.”

Full scholarships will be awarded to directors or senior managers of NFP organisations with a turnover below $1 million.

Half-fee scholarships will be awarded to successful applicants from NFP organisations with turnover between $1 million and $5 million.

Applications for the AICD Not-for-Profit Scholarship program close on Friday July 28 2017.