Are you ready to make a lasting impression and showcase the incredible impact of your work? The 2024 For-Purpose Leadership Awards provide a platform to recognize outstanding leaders, teams, and organisations in Australia’s charitable, not-for-profit, and social enterprise sector.

Your entry statement is your golden ticket to stand out and communicate your story effectively to the judges. Let’s dive into how you can create a compelling entry statement that leaves a mark:

1. Know the Basics

Before we delve into the art of crafting an impactful entry statement, let’s recap the essentials:

  • Eligibility: All entrants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents who are either staff or volunteers of an Australian charitable, not-for-profit, or social enterprise organization.
  • Word Limit: Your entry statement should be up to 500 words. Remember, brevity is key!

2. Understand the Purpose

Your entry statement is more than just a formality; it’s your chance to shine. Here’s what it accomplishes:

  • Fit the Criteria: Address how your work aligns with the award criteria. Be specific and highlight relevant achievements.
  • Impact: Showcase the tangible impact your efforts have had. Numbers, stories, and testimonials all play a role here.
  • Category Relevance: Tailor your statement to the specific award category. Understand what each category represents and emphasize the relevant aspects of your work.

3. Structure Matters

A well-organized entry statement is easier to follow and leaves a stronger impression. Consider this structure:

  • INTRODUCTION (Approximately 50 Words)
    • Hook the Judges: Start with a captivating opening. Share a powerful statistic, a personal anecdote, or a surprising fact.
    • Briefly Introduce Yourself/Organisation: Who are you, and what does your organisation do?
  • BODY (Approximately 400 Words)
    • Address the Criteria: Break down the award criteria one by one. Provide evidence for each point. For example:
      • If the criteria include “innovation,” share how your project or initiative was groundbreaking.
      • If “community impact” is a factor, quantify the lives touched or transformed.
      • Use real-world examples, success stories, and data to back your claims.
    • Tell Your Story: Weave a narrative. Explain challenges you faced, breakthrough moments, and how you overcame obstacles. Make it relatable and inspiring.
    • Hyperlinks: If you have a website, case studies, or relevant articles, include hyperlinks. Let the judges explore further if they wish.
  • CONCLUSION (Approximately 50 Words)
    • Summarize: Recap your main points concisely.
    • Express Gratitude: Thank the judges for their time and consideration.
    • Leave an Impression: End with a memorable statement that reinforces your impact.

4. Authenticity Matters

  • Write your own entry statement. Authenticity shines through.
  • Be passionate. Let your commitment and dedication resonate.
  • Avoid jargon. Speak plainly and clearly

5. Proofread and Verify

  • Check for typos, grammar errors, and clarity.
  • Verify facts and figures. Accuracy matters.

Remember, your entry statement is your voice. It’s your chance to tell the judges why your work matters, how it aligns with the award criteria, and the lives you’ve touched. Craft it with care, and may your impact echo through the halls of recognition! 🌟

For more details, visit the official For-Purpose Leadership Awards page or this resource.


The 2024 For-Purpose Leadership Awards celebrate excellence and courage in leadership. Entries close on 19 April 2024, and winners will be announced on June 12, 2024, in Sydney. 🏆


How do I enter?

Entering an awards program may seem like a big ask to for-purpose leaders, who are short on both time and resources. However, we believe it is well worth the investment and we have a streamlined online process to make this easy.

  • The online submission for the 2024 For-Purpose Leadership Awards requires responses to a few questions only, plus a statement of 500 words. Start here.
  • The entry fee is $50 (including GST).  The two peer-nominated categories are free to enter.
  • Entries are self-nominated, excepting the new categories Outstanding Service to Sector Governance and Outstanding Leadership in Philanthropy.

We urge you not to miss the opportunity to participate in the 2024 For-Purpose Leadership Awards.

Now is your chance to shine.

2023 AUSTRALIAN FOR-PURPOSE LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Honouring our teams.

Tanya O’Shea, Managing Director of IMPACT Community Services, and Outstanding Leader (over $3 Million) 2023 Award Winner says that, in the for-purpose sector, organisations value impact over recognition, so receiving this award was humbling.

This award “honoured the incredible team around me, who improve the lives of others every day. Without them, the work that we do would be impossible. To the leaders out there driving change in your communities, we say, share your stories and seek recognition. You and your team deserve it.”

Thank you

As we open entries for the 2024 For-Purpose Leadership Awards today Monday, 19 February 2024, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners and judges, whose generous support makes this celebration of leadership excellence possible. Join us on Wednesday, 12 June 2024, in Sydney for the Gala Awards Ceremony, where we will come together to applaud and honour the remarkable achievements of for-purpose leaders in shaping a better society.

Please spend a moment on our awards page to view all the award categories and learn how to enter.


There are eight award categories in 2024, totalling twelve awards in all. Click here to learn about all categories.