Scholarship FAQs
Here you'll find answers to the most common questions about the Governance for Social Impact scholarships for board directors, plus information on course structure and application process. We hope this helps clarify the key details and gives you the confidence to apply.
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Course Eligibility
Do I need board experience to do this course?
No specific level of experience is required; participants at varied stages are welcome, as long as you are a current board member of a registered Australian charity.
Are Board Observers eligible?
At this stage, board observers are not eligible to apply for a scholarship. However, they are welcome to participate by securing a fee-paying place in the course.
Is the course suitable for social enterprises, profit-for purpose, small community organisations or incorporated associations?
Scholarships are currently available to board directors of organisations that are registered Australian charities. As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide your organisation’s ACNC listing to confirm eligibility. If you are part of a social enterprise, profit-for-purpose organisation, incorporated association or another organisation that is not registered as a charity, you are still welcome to participate in the course as a fee-paying participant. A small number of fee-paying places are reserved in each cohort, allowing participants from across the social impact sector to take part in the program.
We are not a registered charity yet. Can I still apply?
Eligibility is for current board directors of organisations that are registered Australian charities with the ACNC. However, you are welcome to participate by securing a fee-paying place in the course.
Is the course suitable for Australian charities operating overseas?
Yes. Provided the organisation is a registered Australian charity, it is eligible—even if its programs or activities operate overseas.
Does my organisation need DGR status?
No, your organisation does not need to have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status to be eligible. This scholarship requirement is simply that the organisation is formally registered as a charity with the ACNC.
Is there a minimum revenue requirement?
No, there is no minimum revenue requirement. We are looking for directors or organisations that can share the learnings within their organisations, communities, networks/systems in which they work. Beyond this, strong applications will demonstrate:
- Motivation to strengthen governance practice and contribute to meaningful organisational and sector impact
- A commitment to applying and sharing learnings within your organisation, community or networks
- Capacity to actively engage in all course components
- A genuine need for scholarship support
Scholarship Eligibility & Applications
Can multiple board members from the same organisation apply?
Yes, multiple board members from the same organisation are welcome to apply. Each person must submit their own application, and places will be awarded through the standard scholarship selection process.
Are referees required as part of the application?
No. Referees are not required as part of the scholarship application process.
How long will the scholarship application take to complete?
The application has been designed to be quick and straightforward, recognising that many board directors are volunteers with limited time. Most applicants should be able to complete the form in around 20-30 minutes. Written responses have clear word limits to keep the process concise.
What will I be asked in the application form?
The form includes a small number of background questions to establish eligibility. You will also be asked a few short questions about:
- Why the scholarship would be valuable to you and your organisation
- How the course will strengthen your contribution as a board director
- How you would apply and share your learning within your board, networks or community
Course details
Is it possible to enrol in the course without applying for a scholarship?
Yes. These scholarships are designed to support board directors and organisations who may not otherwise have access to this opportunity. If you or your organisation have the capacity to self-fund — or if you require a guaranteed place in a specific cohort, or are not eligible for a scholarship — a small number of paid places are also available.
What does it cost?
Scholarships are fully funded by Minderoo Foundation. If you or your organisation have the capacity to self-fund, a small number of fee-paying places are also available. The Governance for Social Impact Online course fee is $2,200 (incl GST). A discount of 20% is available for small to medium not-for-profits (under $3million in revenue), and your code will be emailed to you separately.
What are the key program dates in 2026?
Applications close 22 March 2026. To accommodate busy board schedules, Governance for Social Impact will run across six online cohorts in 2026. Find a course date that suits your schedule below.
May Cohort | Tuesdays 4:30-6:00pm (AEST) |
June Cohort | Tuesdays 12:00-1:30pm (AEST) |
July Cohort | Tuesdays 12:00-1:30pm (AEST) |
August Cohort | Mondays 4:30-6:00pm (AEST) |
September Cohort | Tuesdays 5:00-6:30pm (AEST) |
November Cohort | Wednesdays 5:00-6:30pm (AEST) |
Course Structure & Content
How does the Governance for Social Impact course relate to AICD governance training?
The Governance for Social Impact course is designed to complement, not replace, governance training such as the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course. AICD programs provide essential foundations in fiduciary duties, legal responsibilities and governance frameworks. The Governance for Social Impact course builds on this by exploring how boards can move beyond compliance to focus on mission-led governance and achieving meaningful social impact.
Is the program relevant for organisations from sectors such as education, culture, disability or community services?
Yes. Board directors from charities working across all social issue areas — including education, arts and culture, disability, health, environment and community services (among others) —are encouraged to apply.
What do alumni have to say about Goverance for Social Impact?
Greg Simmons, a board member at McCall Services, reflects on his journey as a leader in the disability services sector. Inspired by his daughter Kate's experiences, Greg shares how the Governance for Social Impact course provided the tools and frameworks to put beneficiaries at the centre of decision-making.
Why is impact-led governance training essential for purpose-driven boards?
Charities, not-for-profits, and the wider for-purpose sector are critical to Australia’s society and economy. However, declining donor dollars, increasing competition, government reforms, thin margins, and public scrutiny make serving beneficiaries more challenging than ever. As a not-for-profit board member or senior executive, it raises some big questions:
- What are the most effective ways to successfully navigate mounting challenges?
- How do we lift our gaze beyond performance-based targets to achieve impact-based outcomes?
- What levers need to be pulled to create a ripple effect for the greatest impact?
- How do we make a measurable impact in areas aligned to our purpose?
- How can we develop strong systems while keeping beneficiaries at the centre of everything we do?
This short course is designed to equip board members with practical strategies to address these questions and more. By participating, you’ll gain valuable insights that empower you to lead with confidence, ensuring your organisation remains purpose-driven and resilient in the face of challenges.
Is there a course outline or list of modules?
Download our learning journey below.