The Fish Scholarship offers a place for one winner in the Fundraising Institute of Australia’s Fundraising Essentials course.

“We’re committed to advancing the charity sector by building the capabilities and skills of people within it through the provision of education, coaching, strategic advice and support, and the Fish Scholarship is one way in which we can give back to the community,” Fish Community Solutions Community Change Architect Bianca Crocker said.

Fish Community Solutions has been offering special education initiative, the Fish Scholarship, since 2014 to support individuals working at small non-profit organisations.

This scholarship looks for talented, up and coming fundraiser at the FIA Fundraising Essentials Course, valued at $495. The Fish Scholarship is open to those working with an Australian charity with limited professional experience.

Applicants must be working with organisations that are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission and have an annual revenue less than $1m.

The one day course is designed like a ‘101’ of fundraising, teaching the basics of fundraising and marketing in the winner’s nearest capital city or through the online delivery mode if preferred.

“This initiative is an opportunity for Fish to demonstrate that we are not only here to give you advice, but to help educate you about becoming financially sustainable so your organisation can continue to do what you do best,” Crocker said.

The organisation recognizes that professional development is vital to successful fundraising outcomes in small organisations with usually no budget for such things.

Crocker hopes that the Fish Scholarship can help someone from a small charity to develop additional skills, and really learn the theory behind the practice.