AICD opens new scholarship for NFP leaders

The scholarship program will give up to 375 NFP leaders the chance to deepen their understanding of governance principles.

The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) has announced that applications for the Not-for-Profit Scholarship 2025/26 are now open.

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 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

The AICD is offering 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,” AICD Managing Director and CEO Mark Rigotti said. “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.”

Meanwhile, Centre for Stories director Charlotte Solomon, a former scholarship recipient, said the scholarship is an opportunity to meet other emerging and career directors and learn governance skills in the NFP 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.”

AICD members and non-members in metropolitan and regional locations can apply for the scholarship until 15 June. The AICD encourages current and aspiring directors or leaders of small-to-medium NFP organisations with an annual income of $3 million or less to apply.

Visit the AICD Scholarships page for full eligibility criteria and further details.

Geraldine Grones

+ posts

Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.