More than 400 not-for-profit board directors across Australia will receive access to specialised governance training under a new partnership designed to shift the sector’s focus from mere survival to systemic change.
The multi-year initiative, a collaboration between the Centre for Social Impact and the Minderoo Foundation, will provide scholarships for over 430 charity directors to participate in the Governance for Social Impact course.
While approximately 250,000 directors govern some 52,000 registered charities across the country, many organisations lack the funds to invest in professional development. The majority of these leaders are volunteers, often trained to manage risk rather than maximise social outcomes.
Centre for Social Impact CEO Arminé Nalbandian said the investment would have a catalytic effect across the sector, addressing what she described as an “under-recognised lever” for change.
“Governance is one of the most under-recognised levers for systems change in the social sector,” Nalbandian said. “Boards shape what is possible for not-for-profit organisations, but too often they are trained to manage risk rather than to maximise impact.
“With the right capability, directors can move beyond sustaining services to actively shaping the systems that deliver better outcomes for people, communities and the environment.”
The course is designed to bridge the gap between compliance and mission, equipping leaders with the tools to navigate complexity.
Minderoo’s Effective Philanthropy Executive Director, Kristen Stevenson, said the foundation is committed to breaking the “cycle of scarcity” that holds many organisations back.
“Australia’s for-purpose sector tackles the challenges that government and business can’t solve alone, but too many organisations are stuck in a cycle of scarcity – held together by passionate people but underfunded, underpowered and asked to do more with less,” Stevenson said.
“We believe the sector needs investment to amplify its impact and help drive a fairer, more resilient and ambitious Australia. These scholarships will play an important role in equipping more not-for-profit board directors with the tools and strategies to effectively govern for deepened and scaled social impact.”
The funding will also support the Centre for Social Impact in its broader mission to mature the field of impact-led governance, lifting knowledge and shaping expectations around board roles.
Previous participants have described the program as “world leading” and “critical if you lead or govern for social impact.”
“This landmark investment from the Minderoo Foundation will help build a generation of impact-led boards – equipping directors with the mindset and practical tools to stay mission-focused, navigate complexity and drive lasting systems change,” Nalbandian said.
Ritchelle is Content Team Manager at Akolade, producing stories for Australia's not-for-profit sector at Third Sector.
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