Scholarships today for better community outcomes tomorrow

The 220 scholarships, to be awarded over five years starting in 2027, will offer NFP board directors a chance to enrol in CSI’s Governance for Social Impact program, or its Giving Academy, which supports funders and NFP professionals looking to strengthen their philanthropic practice.

Support from Paul Ramsay Foundation, Minderoo Foundation and Equity Trustees has enabled CSI to offer the scholarships fully funded, removing a barrier to education.

“Investment in professional development for the for-purpose sector does more than benefit individual leaders – it unlocks opportunities for the organisations they lead and lifts the system as a whole,” CSI acting chief executive officer Rosemary Conn said. 

The 2027 funding will cover 190 scholarships for NFP board directors, and 30 for the Giving Academy, as part of a larger program to fund hundreds of scholarships across both programs over the next three to five years. 

Paul Ramsay Foundation has committed $1.2 million over five years towards scholarships for the Governance for Social Impact course, while Minderoo Foundation has already invested $1 million towards the same end, through to 2029. 

“Governance within the for-purpose sector is one of the most under-recognised and under-tapped levers for change,” said Paul Ramsay Foundation’s senior associate for sector capability, Mia Georges Sturrock. “Board directors play a critical role in shaping an organisation’s impact. Investing in leaders that may otherwise be excluded is a direct way to strengthen organisations and the sector’s ability to deliver better outcomes for the communities they serve.”

The Giving Academy has been designed by CSI with sector leaders and aims to bring funders and NFP executives together to build effective partnerships and enhance the wider philanthropic ecosystem. 

Minderoo, PRF and Equity Trustees are all backing scholarships for the program, over three years.

Conn said CSI plans to host two free online information sessions where prospective applicants can learn more about the programs from alumni, as well as hear details of the scholarship process.

“Minderoo Foundation is proud to support this initiative alongside the Paul Ramsay Foundation and Equity Trustees because increasing access to critical development opportunities helps strengthen the leaders who drive impact across Australia’s for-purpose sector,” said Minderoo Foundation CEO John Hartman. “This ultimately enables more effective giving and better outcomes for communities.”

Information sessions

Session 1: Governance for Social Impact

• Who should attend: Not-for-profit board directors interested in fully funded Governance for Social Impact scholarships

• When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026

• Register: https://events.humanitix.com/scholarships-for-charity-board-directors-information-session

Session 2: Giving Academy

• Who should attend: Anyone working in philanthropy interested in fully funded scholarships with the Giving Academy

• When: Tuesday, November 10, 2026

• Register: https://events.humanitix.com/the-giving-academy-scholarships