Kilfinan Australia and the Australian Scholarships Foundation are offering not-for-profit leaders the opportunity to be mentored by a senior corporate executive, providing invaluable support and personal growth, while improving cross sectoral understanding.

Program overview

Kilfinan Australia provides confidential, one-on-one mentoring to leaders of registered charities, by undertaking a comprehensive matching process with leaders in the public and private sectors that volunteer their time and experience. This program is aimed to support leaders in the not-for-profit space, including emerging leaders – those who are rising stars in their organisation, to help them get a running start in driving social change. The aims of Kilfinan Australia are to:

  • Leverage cross-industry collaboration by enhancing the understanding between corporate and for-purpose organisations
  • Strengthen the for-purpose sector by drawing on the skills and experience in the commercial and government sectors
  • Growing the highest caliber leader by supporting them in their learning and growth as well as providing an opportunity to give back.
  • In 2023 there will be 10 x scholarship placements available.
  • Each scholarship includes bespoke matching with an experienced corporate executive mentor with 2 years of mentoring support, plus access to Kilfinan Australia Thought Leadership, Roundtable, and other mentee events.

How does the mentor/mentee pairing work?

Finding the right mentor for you is a critical step in establishing a successful mentorship. Kilfinan is dedicated to identifying the best possible match and prioritises this over an expedited process. Once program placement is confirmed, Kilfinan will commence the matching process.

  • Mentee interview: Each participant will meet with a Kilfinan Mentorship Manager to further explore your skills and experience, current role, organisation as well as elaborate on the challenges and issues to be addressed in a mentoring relationship. This information is used to identify a mentor with complementary skills and experience.
  • Service Agreement: A service agreement outlining the program expectations, terms and conditions is signed.
  • Matching: A potential mentor is identified and you are sent their information to review. If your proposed mentor looks like a suitable match, advise us of your interest to progress and contact the mentor to arrange an initial meeting. 
  • Initial meeting: A meeting with the proposed mentor is undertaken to determine if you would like to work together and think you can build a trusting, effective working relationship. This initial conversation is an opportunity to get to know more about each other and discuss what each of you expect from the mentorship.
  • Mentoring Agreement: If both parties agree to continue a Mentoring Agreement is signed. This agreement outlines mutual expectations, obligations to each other, as well as the mentee’s learning needs and development goals. 
  • Ongoing support: Kilfinan will provide each mentoring pair with ongoing support and management as the mentorship progresses. 

Who should apply

To be eligible to undertake a Kilfinan Australia mentorship, applicants must meet the following criteria.

  • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia and currently be employed by an Australian not-for-profit organisation.
  • Meet the criteria of a Kilfinan Australia mentorship which in most cases is based on previous academic performance, work experience and support from their employing organisation.
  • Be a seasoned leader, currently (or on track to) leading an organisation, significant business unit, or function, working for a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission.    
  • Fulfil ASF’s general eligibility requirements available.

Eligible applicants will be assessed on their suitability to the program as determined by evaluation of applications by the selection panel. Evaluation of applications will consider the goals and challenges of the applicant, and the suitability of mentoring to meet these needs.

Key program dates

DateTimeline
Monday February 6, 2023Applications Open
Friday March 3, 2023 at 11.59pmApplications Close
Monday April 10, 2023All applicants notified of outcome
April – May 2023Mentor matching undertaken for successful applicants 
Thursday June 1, 2023Mentorships commence

How to apply

Click ‘APPLY NOW’ and follow the prompts to create a profile.

If you have ny adjustment requests or accessibility requirements to complete this application form, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] or call 1300 248 675