The Australian Leadership Hub (formerly Australian Scholarships Foundation) is committed to measuring the impact of our work, both to ensure we are making the difference we intend and to constantly improve our offerings for the sector.
We have awarded 5,532 scholarships since 2009 worth $19.9 million achieving:
- Greater access to learning and development opportunities for leaders and emerging leaders
- Clear pathways for leadership and professional development opportunities identified
- Education sector support to offer affordable not for-profit courses
- Recognition and reward for best practice leadership
- A commitment to supporting training that offers diversity, inclusion and delivery to community regional organisations
- Organisations understand the value of learning and development to drive growth strategies and retain employees.
- A more robust sector strengthened through greater leadership capabilities.
- Greater investment by organisations in learning and development.
- A compelling employee value proposition for not-for-profits focusing on attraction, engagement and retention of employees.
- A hub for leaders and organisations to connect and collaborate for positive change.
2023 impact reporting
We awarded 465 scholarships supporting 27,264 hours of learning, in 2023. In addition to scholarships we expanded our professional development offerings for leaders through four new Education Programs delivered by high-quality education providers; UNSW/AGSM, XedSpace and Social Impact Hub. These programs were offered online and in-person covering topics including Leadership Development for Emerging Leaders; Leader training for Better Conversations and Impact Measurement workshops.
In 2023 we launched the For-Purpose Leadership Awards program to recognise and celebrate best-practice leadership in the sector. We unearthed best-practice champions across Australia in areas of Wellbeing Governance, Talent Development and Emerging and Executive Leadership.
Our new Workshops and Events benefited over 550 people who received training, and sector insights to support their leadership journeys, and networking with sector colleagues.
Our reach
Our scholarships have been awarded to not-for-profit staff and boards across Australia. In 2023, 91 scholarships (19%) were awarded to leaders located in remote, rural and regional areas who struggle to access quality education opportunities.
Cross-sector support
Our recipients are drawn from across the sector, including social services, health, education and research, environment and animal welfare, arts, culture and recreation, and international development. Leaders in the sector continue to manage the impact that the cost of living and natural disasters have on the communities they serve, which increases demand for their services. In 2023, 232 scholarships were awarded in 2023 collectively to the Health and Social Service Sectors.
Supporting diversity in leadership
In 2022, 323 (69%) of scholarship recipients were female. Twenty-one of the recipients (5%) identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Leaders with disability received 123 scholarships facilitated on behalf of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Network on Disability.
Scholar surveys
Our surveys repeatedly confirm the impact of our scholars’ studies. Scholars score highly on their improvement in technical skills, job performance and confidence. Our research (2019 to 2022) shows that 85% of not-for-profit scholars would not have had the opportunity to study without a scholarship, yet 92% noted improved job performance.
Evidence-based impact
The Australian Leadership Hub has prviously offered the Fulbright Professional Scholarship in Non-Profit Leadership through generous funding support of the Origin Energy Foundation and Perpetual since 2013. Research by Pollinate to explore, understand and validate the impact of the Fulbright Scholarship Program on its scholars, their network and the not-for-profit sector unearthed compelling outcomes.
Stories of Impact
Our alumni are highly capable, experienced leaders and managers, committed to delivering their purpose and vision using resourceful and productive business methods. Their studies have boosted their confidence, networks and capabilities to create collaborations and innovative practices to transform themselves, their teams and organisations to create mission. Delve into the stories of impact from our scholars Matt Davis, CEO of The Salvation Army Salvos Stores, and Narelle McGeoch, COO, Youthworks.
“My journey since the course – alongside a group of great and passionate people, of course – has meant that Australia now has a voluntary product stewardship scheme for clothing and textiles, with a vision for totally changing the [circular economy] game in Australia.”
Matt Davis, CEO, The Salvation Army
Harvard Club of Australia Ferris Family Not-for-Profit Scholarship recipient
Our Alumni Ambassadors are executives and board members representing large and small not-for-profit organisations across Australia who champion capability-building and support us in creating a leadership community for the sector. Read more about their work.
Click on the photos below to read more about our alumni stories and testimonials of impact.
“The program was beyond expectation – I didn’t think it would be so rich in information and application to everything we do. It was an amazing opportunity to meet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working across all sectors; high achievers and inspirational.”
Dr. Odette Pearson, Senior Research Fellow at Wardliparingga
Aboriginal Health Equity, SAHMRI and Adjunct Senior Fellow at Adelaide Medical School
Company Directors Course for Indigenous Business Leaders,
Australian Institute of Company Directors (2018)
Australian Scholarships Limited (ASL) is endorsed to operate a DGR scholarship fund known as the Australian Scholarship Fund (ASF). Gifts and contributions made to the scholarship fund can be eligible for a tax deduction for the giver.
Australian Scholarships Limited (ASL) is the operating arm of the Australian Leadership Hub and Australian Scholarships Foundation. ASL (ABN 38 626 377 893) is a Registered Charity with the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission. It is endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office to operate as Deductible Gift Recipient Fund (DGR).