The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) is pleased to announce that 140 directors and governance leaders from across Australia have received scholarships to improve the governance capability of Australia’s vital not-for-profit sector.
The scholarships offered successful recipients in every state and territory the opportunity to undertake one of the AICD’s specialised not-for-profit courses, specialising in duties and responsibilities, financial literacy, and mergers and acquisitions.
Scholarship recipients were chosen based on the expected benefits to the individual, not-for-profit organisation and wider community.
Examples of organisations represented in the list of successful scholarship recipients include:

• Dress for Success – improves the employability of women in need by providing, free of charge, professional clothing, support and career development.
• Epilepsy Action Australia – the leading provider of epilepsy support and information for those affected by epilepsy and their loved ones.
• Western Research Institute – conducts social and economic research to support better decision-making and investment in sustainable regional development.
• PACT (Protect all children today) – provides support to children and young people who are victims or witnesses within the criminal justice system.
• Big Group Hug – mobilises community support for vulnerable families.;
• EHE Rare Cancer Foundation – fundraises in order to support research into the rare cancer, Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma, which receives no other funding.
• Habitat for Humanity – helps low-income families achieve the dream of building and owning their very own safe, secure home.
• Fair Game Australia – supports healthy communities through donating recycled sports equipment and delivering sport, fitness and health programs.

AICD General Manager Advocacy Louise Petschler said the scholarships were a fantastic opportunity for not-for-profit directors and senior executive to enhance their governance skills.
“Two-thirds of the AICD’s 41,000-strong membership play some role in the not-for-profit sector, so improving and ensuring the long-term governance of the sector is a focus for us,” she said.
“By helping enhance the skills and governance understanding among leaders in the not-for-profit sector, we can help them ensure that their not-for-profits are best supporting the community.
“Not-for-profit organisations are the lifeblood of our communities. From hospitals to disability services, from refuges to local sports, to the arts – the sector makes vital contributions in almost every area of society.
“We were overwhelmed with hundreds of impressive applications and the dedication apparent among those who are involved in the sector is inspiring. I wish the scholarship winners all the best and encourage them to share what they learn with the wider not-for-profit community.”