Scholarship opportunity for not-for-profit leaders

The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) is pleased to announce that applications are open for the Not-for-Profit Scholarship 2025/26.

This program will allow up to 375 NFP leaders the opportunity to deepen their understanding of governance principles.

Scholarship recipients will be invited to enrol in scheduled Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors courses available in capital cities across Australia or courses taking place in these seven regional locations:

• Mt Gambier, South Australia – 13-14 November 2025
• Alice Springs, Northern Territory – 5-6 February 2026
• Sunshine Coast, Queensland – 12-13 February 2026
• Newcastle, NSW – 12-13 March 2026
• Geraldton, Western Australia – 7-8 May 2026
• Launceston, Tasmania – 28-29 May 2026  
• Geelong, Victoria – 4-5 June 2026

AICD Managing Director and CEO Mark Rigotti said the AICD is proud to offer this vital scholarship program for the ninth consecutive year.

“We’re aware that the challenges experienced by the NFP sector have increased over recent years, with growing community expectations and regulatory reform placing increased demands on NFP directors.

“That’s why the AICD is so pleased to offer this scholarship and to play its part in helping equip directors, boards and their organisations to deal with the increasingly complex operating environment.”

Former scholarship recipient and Centre for Stories director, Charlotte Solomon, said the scholarship is an opportunity to meet other emerging and career directors, and learn governance skills in a not-for-profit context.

“Some of the insights and experiences that I learned through the scholarship were the importance of having a governance framework, being able to learn from experienced directors and mentors, and the sense of community I felt with my peers - understanding that we’re all in the same boat together.”

Applications are open to AICD members and non-members in metropolitan and regional locations.

Current and aspiring directors or leaders of small-to-medium NFP organisations with an annual income of $3 million or less are encouraged to apply.

Applications open on Monday, 12 May 2025 and close on Sunday, 15 June 2025.

Please visit the AICD Scholarships for full eligibility criteria and further details.

Media Contact: Maegen Sykes 0439 167 567