The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) in partnership with the Australian Scholarships Foundation announces the successful candidates for the 2023 Not-For-Profit Scholarship program.

The scholarships have been awarded to 200 recipients working in smaller not-for-profit organisations from across every Australian state and territory, including directors, executives and emerging directors.

“The AICD is proud to make this contribution to advancing the capabilities of these NFP leaders and their organisations,” said Mark Rigotti, AICD Managing Director and CEO.

The recipients will gain valuable skills to support their work in the NFP sector, undertaking the AICD Governance for Not-For-Profit Directors program, designed to build and enhance directors’ understanding of compliance and performance-related roles and responsibilities.

More than 1100 scholars have benefited from the AICD program since it began in 2017, providing NFP sector leaders with the opportunity to access foundational governance education, build capacity and govern their organisations more effectively.

Rigotti congratulated this year’s 200 recipients and wished them well as they progressed through the educational program.

“We know it’s a particularly challenging time for the not-for-profit sector with increasing demands on directors and executives and an increasingly complex operating environment,” added Rigotti.

This year’s recipients come from across a broad range of fields including the arts, culture and recreation; education and research; employment, development and housing; health; social services; and the environment.

“The for-purpose sector is an important part of the economy, employing 11 per cent of the Australian workforce and contributing an estimated 4.8 per cent to the country’s GDP,” said Louisa Graham, Australian Scholarships Foundation CEO.

Nicole Chaplin, Chief Executive at St John’s Youth Services shared that the scholarship will aid in building her skills and expertise for Nunga Mi: Minar, a First Nations specific Domestic and Family Violence Service, as well as increase her capacity to contribute as Director for another SA not-for-profit (SACOSS).

“In addition to strengthening my leadership and governance skills, this is a great opportunity to connect with a community of leaders who are changing and impacting lives across Australia. It is such a privilege to share this scholarship with so many talented leaders,” said Joanna Kay, Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia GM.

There are 600-thousand NFP organisations operating across Australia.

Related: Featured Leader: Mark Rigotti on NFP leadership, success and survival