Scholarships today for better community outcomes tomorrow

Posted on 30 Sep 2026

By Nick Place, journalist, Community Directors

Centre for social impact cover — The scholarships will allow more NFP leaders to access training without cost being a factor. Pic: CSI

More than 200 fully funded Centre for Social Impact (CSI) scholarships will help equip for-purpose leaders with the tools and knowledge required to tackle society’s biggest challenges.

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.

“Governance within the for-purpose sector is one of the most under-recognised and under-tapped levers for change.”

Mia Georges Sturrock, Paul Ramsay Foundation senior associate, sector capability

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.”