Calendar
Explore our training calendar for not-for-profit leaders and board members.
Discover upcoming workshops, courses and events designed to enhance skills in governance, strategy and leadership. Find all upcoming training dates below and register for sessions that align with your goals.
September 2026
Developing and maintaining emotional intelligence is crucial for leaders as it enhances their ability to connect with and influence others effectively. This is certainly the case for board directors who required to understand their own community stakeholders, staff, donors and fellow directors in pursuit of overseeing the organisation’s strategy.
At this training, you'll learn:
- Intrapersonal skills: Self-regard and awareness, assertiveness, independence and self actualisation
- Interpersonal skills: Empathy, social responsibility and relationships
- Adaptability: Reality-testing, becoming more flexible and how to problem solve
- How to manage your stress and avoid impulse decisions
- How to harness optimism and happiness as the drivers for your leadership journey
This 1 hour webinar costs $99 (member price) and will be held Thursday 3rd September 2026 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. This session is recorded.
If the board can be considered the mind of a community group, the meetings are the heart. This is where all the major decisions are made and the board comes together as a group to steer the organisation towards its mission. Running a successful board meeting takes work, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Join us for this interactive session which will give you the top tips and tools for running a successful board meeting.
At this training, we'll cover:
- How to prepare meetings that are practical, strategic and focused.
- How to ensure all participants have the information and support they need to make informed decisions
- How to shape agendas that support clear discussion and good decisions
- How to lead and facilitate meetings with confidence, fairness and focus
- How to manage tension, differing views and difficult dynamics
- How to support a positive and productive culture within and outside meetings.
This 3-hour online session costs $189 (member price) and will be held Monday, 7 September 2026 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. This session is not recorded. Live attendance is required.
As many as one in five Australians are neurodivergent, but many organisations are missing out on tapping into this pool of employees because they continue to use outdated recruitment and work practices.
Neurodivergence spans the spectrum of autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, and Tourette syndrome, to name a few diagnoses.
A neuro-affirming approach builds inclusive systems and communication practices that support diverse cognitive profiles from the outset. It is grounded in psychological safety, ensuring people feel secure, respected and able to work without hidden expectations or fear of judgement.
About the session
In this session, we will help you to:
- Understand what a neuro-affirming workplace means
- Learn how to support and empower neurodivergent employees
- How to reduce barriers and improve workplace inclusive
- Foster a culture of strength-based leadership.
This 1 hour webinar will be held live and free on Thursday 11 December from 1:00pm to 2:00pm AEDT.
Key details
Date: Tuesday, 8 September
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm AEDT
Location: Online | Recorded
Member price: $99
Non-member price: $129
Presented by Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership
This presentation will examine an ethical dilemma in leadership and explore various approaches to addressing it through ethical decision-making and leadership principles.
Key details
Date: Wednesday, 9 September 2026
Time: 12:30pm-1:30pm AEST
Location: Online | Recorded
Price: FREE!
Not-for-Profit Finance Week is a celebration of ideas, knowledge and financial capacity-building for the $100 billion Australian not-for-profit sector.
The aim of this event, held in September 2026, is to increase the profile of the not-for-profit sector, bolster the financial capacity and sustainability of the sector, and provide support for the staff, board members and treasurers carrying out the important task of overseeing the finances.
Join us for a week of information-packed FREE webinars.
Across a live opening session, self-paced online modules and a final reflection session, you’ll explore:
- what financial governance means for boards
- your legal obligations as a director or committee member
- the key financial reports every board member should understand
- how to spot financial warning signs
- financial planning, risk and sustainability
- funding, investments and future planning
- how boards can use financial information to support purpose and impact.
The course includes:
Opening session (22 September 2026, 10am-11am)
A live facilitated session introducing the key ideas and setting the foundations for effective financial governance.
Self-paced online course (to complete before the final session)
Three online units covering financial governance, financial planning and funding sustainability.
Final session (6 October 2026, 10am-11am)
A live facilitated session for reflection, group discussion, practical activities, next steps and where to go for help.
Pricing
ICDA member price: $499 (inc. GST)
Non-member price: $599 (inc. GST).
Membership is free. Join today!
This workshop has been designed to help directors understand their roles and responsibilities as a board member, and how to review and apply the organisation’s constitution.
At this training, you'll learn to:
- Undertake the roles and responsibilities of a board member
- Review and apply the organisation’s constitution
Key details
Date: Tuesday, 29 September 2026
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm AEST
Location: Online
Member price: $189
Non-member price: $249
Today’s nonprofit executives are navigating increasingly complex challenges.
From advocacy and stakeholder pressure to crisis management, ethical decision-making and funder engagement, leaders are expected to respond thoughtfully, communicate clearly and guide their organisations with integrity.
Over four interactive sessions, participants will explore the realities of executive leadership in the not-for-profit sector, while building practical tools, frameworks and strategies they can immediately apply in their organisations. Through guided reflection, discussion and real-world examples, leaders will deepen their understanding of themselves, their organisations and the broader systems they work within.
This program is ideal for senior managers, executives, CEOs, board directors and experienced leaders seeking to strengthen their strategic leadership capability and lead with greater clarity, confidence and impact. Participants will join a cohort of not-for-profit leaders from across Australia to examine some of the sector’s biggest leadership challenges, including:
- Advocacy and influence
- Leading through crisis
- Strategic funder engagement
- Ethical leadership and organisational culture
- AI and emerging leadership risks.
September/October 2026 cohort
Session 1: Tuesday, 29 September 2026.9am-Midday AEST.
Session 2: Tuesday, 6 October 2026. 9am-Midday AEDT.
Session 3: Tuesday, 13 October 2026. 9am-Midday AEDT.
Session 4: Tuesday, 20 October 2026. 9am-Midday AEDT.
October 2026
Directors and senior leaders of community organisations make important decisions every day—but when might those decisions, or a failure to act, expose them to personal liability?
Presented by Law Compliance in partnership with the Institute of Community Directors Australia, this practical webinar will explore:
- how personal liability can arise;
- who may be considered an officer or senior manager;
- key case studies, penalties and statutory defences;
- the role and limitations of directors’ and officers’ insurance; and
- practical steps community organisations and their leaders can take to reduce their exposure.
Designed for board members, executives, senior managers, and governance, risk and compliance professionals across the not-for-profit and community sectors, the webinar will explain how effective oversight, compliance systems, training and record-keeping can help manage personal and organisational risk.
Key details
Date: Thursday, 1 October 2026
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm AEST
Location: Online | Recorded
Price: FREE!
Community Sector Secretaries is a three-session program designed to help company secretaries understand their role on the board, and the responsibilities to the board.
The sessions will cover the secretary's role in:
- Regulatory and legislative compliance, decision-making and ethical obligations (session 1)
- Keeping the board on track with responsibilities and timelines (session 2)
- Supporting inclusion and accessibility and ensuring effective induction and onboarding of new board members (session 3)
Participants will learn alongside other community sector secretaries, in sessions designed to enable them to connect and network with their peers. This training takes place online.
Those who complete all three sessions will receive a Certificate in Community Sector Secretaryship, a micro-credential accredited by the Institute of Community Directors Australia.
Key Details
Session 1: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Session 2: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Session 3: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
A proven program designed to equip not-for-profit CEOs, Chairs, and Board Directors with the tools, confidence, and strategies to secure critical funding and build sustainable partnerships.
Fundraising isn’t just about asking for money. It's about demonstrating value, building trust, and inspiring action. In today’s competitive philanthropic landscape, funders expect more than passion; they want evidence of impact, alignment with their goals, and confidence that their support will deliver measurable results.
Does this sound familiar?
- You’ve made multiple approaches to funders with little response.
- You feel uncertain about what funders really want and how to attract core funding.
- You’re juggling competing priorities, unsure how to balance strategic fundraising with operational demands.
Our Pitch to Impact program will change the way you approach fundraising, and help you secure the funds you need to achieve your mission.
By the end of this program, you’ll have:
- A Compelling Funder-Ready Pitch: Learn how to communicate your organisation’s mission with clarity, evidence, and emotional resonance.
- Confidence to Make the Ask: Walk into every funding conversation prepared and self-assured.
- An Actionable Fundraising Roadmap: Develop a clear, step-by-step plan to secure funding in 2025 and beyond.
What's included?
- Three Immersive Masterclasses: Interactive sessions with expert guidance and real-world applications.
- One Live Coaching Session: Personalised feedback to refine your pitch and delivery.
- Exclusive Resources and Templates: Tailored guides, pitch frameworks, and storytelling tools.
- Actionable Roadmaps: Create a fundraising roadmap designed for measurable results.
Fees
This course costs $995.00 to attend. Places are strictly limited. To register to attend please click below.
Community Sector Treasurers is a three-session program which equips NFP and community treasurers with the knowledge and skills to manage financial responsibilities effectively.
Delivered over three 2-hour sessions, this course will cover core topics, tools, and strategies to ensure compliance, reporting accuracy, and financial planning.
- Foundations of the treasurer’s role and financial administration (session 1)
- Reporting and financial strategy (session 2)
- Strategic planning and collaboration (session 3)
The three sessions will take place online and have been designed to support connection and networking amongst participants.
Those who complete all three sessions will receive a Certificate in Community Treasury, a micro-credential accredited by the Institute of Community Directors Australia.
Key Details:
Session 1: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Session 2: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Session 3: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Register now.
Join Community Directors and Axelo for a practical, board-focused webinar exploring cyber risk and emerging AI governance challenges in the not-for-profit sector.
Cyber threats continue to evolve, and the rapid uptake of AI tools is introducing new governance considerations for boards. At the same time, many NFPs operate without dedicated IT or HR teams, relying on lean staffing and external support. This session is designed with that reality in mind.
Key details:
Date: Thursday 8 October, 2026
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm AEDT
Location: Online | Recorded
Member price: FREE
AI & Innovation Readiness is a practical three-part program designed to help NFP boards and executive teams build the foundations for thoughtful, effective AI adoption.
The program will help you to build a pathway at your organisation, to ensure that you are ready to innovate, to intentional experimentation, to a scoped use case ready for implementation.
You’ll learn how to set clear organisational goals and KPIs, identify the expertise and resources you need, and put appropriate policies and governance in place.
Dates: October 15, 29 and November 12 from 1PM to 2.30PM AEDT.
You can view the entire course outline or register here.
Fundraising is the lifeblood of most community organisations, yet it’s an often-neglected task. Most organisations draw the majority of their income from just one or two sources. That’s a dangerous strategy. If one of those sources dries up, you could quickly face a budget black hole.
At this training, you'll learn about the seven pillars of fundraising.
- Grants
- Donations
- Crowdfunding
- Membership
- Events
- Sales
- Sponsorship
With around $125 billion given out in grants across Australia each year, this session will take an in-depth look at writing a proposal to ensure your organisation is getting its share of the money on offer.
This course is designed for grassroots community groups that want to find out where to find funding, and how to win it.
This 3-hour online session costs $189 (member price) and will be held Wednesday, 21 October 2026 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. This session is not recorded. Live attendance is required.
Good governance is the backbone of every effective not-for-profit - but it's often the area boards feel least confident about.
Here's something that might surprise you: every group that makes decisions together is already doing governance. Many people don't realise they've been part of a governance group until years down the track. Whether that's a committee, a board, or a working group: if you're making decisions collectively, governance applies to you!
At this training, you'll learn:
- Legal responsibilities for board members
- Distinguishing governance vs management: roles and boundaries
- Identifying, disclosing, and managing conflicts of interest:
- Healthy decision-making frameworks
- Board solidarity and fiduciary duty
This 1 hour webinar costs $99 (member price) and will be held Tuesday 27 October 2026 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. This session is recorded.
The sessions will cover the CEO's role in:
- Leading with strategy and governance (session 1)
- Leading people and performance (session 2)
- Leading innovation and sustainability (session 3)
Participants will learn alongside other community sector CEOs, in sessions designed to enable them to connect and network with their peers. This training takes place online.
This course is designed for CEOs of organisations with management teams. It is best suited to organisations with annual revenue of approximately $1 million–$3 million.
Those who complete all three sessions will receive a Certificate of Completion.
This course is perfect for new CEOs or those about to step into the role.
November 2026
The NFP Leadership Certificate is an online program that will equip leaders with the skills, knowledge, tools and connections required to take the next big step in their leadership journey.
Leaders who want to get more done need to start doing less.
But when you're so used to doing the doing, it can be difficult to take a step back and start leading.
ICDA's NFP Leadership Certificate provides space for middle and senior managers to lift their gaze and look at the big picture.
Taking place each Monday across 4 weeks, we'll be bringing together leaders from across Australia, via Zoom, to hone their leadership skills and explore what it truly means to lead.
Key Details
Session 1: Thursday, 5 November 2026. 9am-Midday AEDT.
Session 2: Thursday, 12 November 2026. 9am-Midday AEDT.
Session 3: Thursday, 19 November2026. 9am-Midday AEDT.
Session 4: Thursday, 26 November 2026. 9am-Midday AEDT.
Community Sector Chairs is a three-session program designed to help new and aspiring Board Chairs understand their role on the board, and their responsibilities to the board.
The sessions will cover the Chair's role in:
- The Chair’s role in governance and leadership
- Making healthy decisions in the board room
- Leading an organisation beyond meetings
Participants will learn alongside other community sector chairs, in sessions designed to enable them to connect and network with their peers. This training takes place online.
Those who complete all three sessions will receive a Certificate in Chairs Leadership, a micro-credential accredited by the Institute of Community Directors Australia.
Key Details
Session 1: Tuesday, 10 November 2026
Session 2: Tuesday, 17 November 2026
Session 3: Tuesday, 24 November 2026
Overseeing the finances is probably one of the most important tasks you have as a board member. Financial literacy will put your organisation in the best position to promote and fulfil your organisation’s mission. If you don’t understand how the finances work, you’ll be at risk of getting caught up if anything goes wrong.
How well do you understand the financial performance and position of your organisation?
At this training, we'll cover:
- Why you need to understand your organisation’s finances
- Financial roles and responsibilities
- Legal duties of board directors
- Key elements of a board financial report
- Profit and Loss Statements
- Budgets
- Balance Sheets
- Cash flow statements
- Reg flags to look out for
- Oversight and monitoring
Key details
Date: Wednesday 18th November 2026
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm AEDT
Location: Online
Member price: $189
Non-member price: $249
Reach the most people at the lowest cost (free!) with the least effort (a phone call!) and the most influence (big audiences) - by gaining media coverage.
Nonprofit PR specialist Brett de Hoedt of Hootville Communications has helped community groups and not-for-profits land 1000+ media hits on a range of issues. He knows how to get coverage for complex, unsexy stories.
At this training, you'll learn:
- why media coverage is worth the effort
- knowing what media wants from you
- identifying and creating catalysts for media coverage
- how to prepare your organisation to be shameless media tarts
- building media relationships without wining nor dining
- dealing with journalists from first contact to warm afterglow
- writing media releases - and why they hardly matter
- story packaging – supplying media the various elements of your story
- pitching your story to journalists (the moment of truth)
This 1 hour webinar costs $99 (member price) and will be held Tuesday 24 November 2026 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. This session is recorded.
Register now.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the community sector, whether they’re sizzling sausages at the local fair, coordinating vital fundraisers, or providing vision and leadership in the boardroom. Without them, many organisations would be unable to keep the doors open.
Despite this, many organisations aren’t properly set up to effectively manage their volunteers.
At this training, you'll learn:
- Proper record keeping
- How to communicate with volunteers
- What policies you'll need
- What legal checks you should expect from volunteers
- How to keep your volunteers
This 1 hour webinar costs $99 (member price) and will be held Tuesday 24 November 2026 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. This session is recorded.
Register now.