$40 000 scholarship up for grabs

Not-for-profit leaders have only a little over a month left to apply for a new international scholarship worth $40 000.

The people behind the new Australian NFP scholarship (L2R): Prof Steven Schwartz, Australian-American Fulbright Commission; Amy Lyden, Australian Scholarships Foundation; Prof Murray Wells, Australian Scholarships Foundation; US Ambassador, Jeffrey Bleich; Dr Tangerine Holt, Australian-American Fulbright Commission; Kevin McCann, chairman of Origin and Origin Foundation director; and Paul Murnane Australian Scholarships Foundation.

By Yasmin Noone

Leaders of not-for-profit (NFP) aged and community care organisations have a little over a month left to apply for the 2013 Fulbright Scholarship, worth $40,000, before applications close on 20 August.

The first-ever Fulbright Scholarship specifically for the NFP sector in Australia will provide a deserving recipient with a three-to-four month program of research and/or professional development in the United States, next year.

As part of the ongoing scholarship program, one opportunity will be awarded in Australia each year from 2013 to 2017, allowing an emerging NFP leader to further their career with a U.S. university or charitable organisation, improve their academic skills and knowledge and join the alumni of Fulbright Scholars worldwide.

The scholarship is a joint initiative of the Australian-American Fulbright Commission, the Australian Scholarships Foundation and Origin Foundation.

CEO of the Australian Scholarships Foundation (ASF), Amy Lyden, said the new scholarship will enable managers and directors of NFP charitable organisations to enhance and improve their skills.

“The Australian not-for-profit sector touches virtually every Australian, yet few comprehend the scale or significance of the sector,” Ms Lyden said.

“This means that improving the sector’s effectiveness in delivering its services represents big gains for the Australian community.”

Applicants should have a postgraduate qualification or a minimum of 10-to-15 years work experience.

They should also have a record of achievement gained from a minimum of three years employment at a mid-to-senior level position (manager/director) within the NFP sector and have an established leadership profile within the sector.

Dr Tangerine Holt, Fulbright Commission executive director, said the scholarship will provide an amazing opportunity for not-for-profit managers “who are at the forefront of leadership to further develop their distinctive capabilities through the innovative exchange of knowledge and cultural engagement”.

The Origin Foundation aims to support education, training and development programs that have the power to transform lives and improve communities.

“The Foundation’s decision to become involved in the NFP sector was driven by findings from a 2010 Productivity Commission report into the Australian NFP sector,” said Origin Foundation’s head, Sean Barrett.

“We concluded that the sector’s efficiency and effectiveness can be significantly improved through better education, training and development,” said Mr Barrett.

“We made the decision, therefore, last year to fund Origin Foundation Scholarships delivered through the Australian Scholarships Foundation, which are available to all NFP full-time employees.

“This collaboration led to the funding of the Fulbright scholarships.”

For more information or to apply for the scholarship, visit www.scholarships.org.au

Tags: australian-scholarships-foundation, fullbright, not-for-profit, origin,

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