Time is fast running out to participate in the 2017 Not-for-Profit Treasurers’ Awards and a chance to win one of three $5,000 donations. The 2017 Awards, which close at the end of July, provide a unique opportunity for individuals across the country to publicly recognise and say ‘thank you’ for the work carried out by not-for-profit and community treasurers.
Not-for-profit and community treasurers make a significant contribution to the success of the sector. It’s a role that usually encompasses a wide range of activities including balancing the books, trying to make the dollars and cents stretch just that little bit further and perhaps, more importantly, ensuring the continued delivery of much needed support and services to communities across the nation.
Support for those who support others
The Awards program is about more than saying thanks. It provides an important platform for sharing information and knowledge and for identifying current issues being faced by those working in the Not-for-Profit sector.
With needs and issues identified by those working at the coalface across the nation, efforts can be targeted to develop much needed tools and resources. Free resources developed to date as a result of the Awards include guides on keeping safe on line, help for Board Member and Treasurers, as well as a toolkit to assist in design thinking and applied innovation.
Getting involved
The 2017 Awards are divided into two categories:
- A recognition program to thank community treasurers
Individuals and community groups can recognise their Treasurer and thank them for all their hard work and dedication by nominating them in this year’s Awards. All nominated not-for-profit and community Treasurers will receive an official 2017 Not-for-Profit Treasurers’ Award Certificate of Appreciation.
- A chance to win $5,000 by sharing knowledge
This year treasurers are being asked to share their practical knowledge by creating one of the following resources:
- A financial template
- An outline and summary of a financial webinar
- A financial policy
There are three $5,000 donations to be awarded to the winning treasurer’s not-for-profit or community group – one for the best submission in each category.
Winning Treasurers in this category will be flown to Sydney for a gala evening awards ceremony and celebration
In the words of one of last year’s winning Treasurers, Paul Beanland from Highgate Early Learning Centre in Victoria:
“The award is fantastic for Highgate! We plan to use the prize to purchase new equipment and upgrade our play areas to further enhance the experience for the children. On a personal level, I am passionate about finance and enjoy sharing my expertise to help organisations ensure their sustainability, and so I am honoured to be recognised for my efforts.”
The Awards, now in their third year, are hosted by Commonwealth Bank and leading social enterprise, Our Community, and are endorsed by all state and territory treasurers, highlighting the importance of good financial management and governance of community organisations.
If you’re involved in a community group, a not-for-profit organisation or are a community treasurer, make sure you’re part of this year’s Awards by visiting www.ourcommunity.com.au/treasurersawards2017
Julienne Price, Head of Schools and Not-for-Profit Sector Banking, Commonwealth Bank.