What we can support

We support all kinds of development activities that build the capacity of your organisation including:

• Developing strategic, business, marketing and funding diversity plans
• Undertaking feasibility studies, such as for changing the strategic direction of an organisation or to explore accommodation options
• Developing operating policies and procedures or training materials
• Carrying out a staff training needs assessment
• Professional development including training for volunteers and Board members
• Developing quality assurance strategies 
• Supporting compliance with the new Associations Incorporation Act 2015 where organisations are challenged to cover the costs. Go to the Department of Commerce website for details on changes to this law
• Improving your organisation’s ability to carry out fundraising activities
• Supporting not-for-profit organisations to access philanthropy
• Supporting the ‘social’ elements of a social enterprise
• Support for attending relevant, local conferences, seminars and workshops for people who could not otherwise afford to attend
• Consultancy and professional fees
• Staff relief and travel to enable participation in a relevant organisational development activity

Most importantly, we want to understand what your needs and ideas are and explore ways we may support them. Please talk to us.

 
What we’re looking for

• Suitability of the development activity for your needs
• The impact the activity will have on your organisation Likelihood of organisational improvement
• Ongoing benefits for your organisation and/or the community 
• Opportunities to share the knowledge and skills gained
• Retained learning within your organisation
• Involvement of your Board, staff and volunteers
• A sound budget and the inclusion of other income sources

 
What we need from you

• A completed Lotterywest grant application
• Two written quotes for items over $3,000; a written estimate, advertised price, or one written quote for items under $3,000 (low value, miscellaneous items can be grouped together to $1,000)
• Minutes of the board meeting endorsing the proposal
• Full details of the conference or seminar including the program and proposed speakers and budget (if applicable)
• Details of how and why you selected any consultants involved and their credentials (if applicable)
• The individual’s curriculum vitae and a course outline (for professional development requests)
• For requests to support a social enterprise - your organisation’s enterprise plan and business case or equivalent

We also need additional information about your organisation. Find out more in our getting started section.

 
Resources

For a comprehensive list of tools and resources to guide you through the application process, visit the FAQ page.

What other scholarship programs and support are available for the not-for-profit sector?

Atlantic Philanthropies- Led by the University of Melbourne
Starting in 2017, up to 25 fellowships will be awarded annually for the next 20 years, to develop some 500 social change agents, influential leaders and innovative thinkers. Find out more here.

Australian Institute of Company Directors
Scholarships assist participants to attend not-for-profit courses run by the Institute of Company Directors across Australia. Find out more here. 

Australian Institute of Management Western Australia
The Australian Institute of Management WA recognises the work of not-for-profit organisations and aspiring professionals in the community wishing to embark on professional development by providing training up to the value of $4,000 that can be used to fund participation in any of the Open Programs offered by the Institute. Find out more here.

Australian Scholarships Foundation
The Australian Scholarship Foundation(ASF) provides access to free or substantially discounted executive management, mentoring and training programs in a range of management disciplines to directors, staff and volunteers of not for profit organisations through its scholarship programs. Find out more here.

CPA and Pro Bono Australia - Mentor the Treasurer
This program allows qualified CPAs to volunteer their time and expertise to mentor treasurers of small not-for-profit organisations. Find out more here.

Fulbright Scholarship
The Fulbright Professional Scholarship in Non-Profit Leadership provides an opportunity for an emerging leader in the not-for-profit sector to undertake a program of research and/or professional development in the U.S. with an approved U.S. charitable organisation. Find out more here.

Harvard Club of Australia
Scholarships allow participants to attend the renowned Harvard Business School course titled “Strategic Perspectives in Non Profit Management” (SPNM)  held in July each year. Find out more here.

Macquarie Group Foundation - David Clarke Social Innovation Fellowship
Scholarships are available for leaders of not-for-profit organisations to visit and research best practice social innovation projects/ sites in their field. Find out more here.

University of NSW Business School 
Scholarships are available to build capacity in community organisations by offering training and business education to talented management staff. Find out more here.

University of Technology Sydney - Mark Lyons Scholarship
Scholarships aim to improve the quality of leadership and management skills in the Australian not-for-profit sector. Find out more here.

University of Western Australia Business School/Centre for Social Impact - BHP Billiton Social Impact (Not-for-Profit) Scholarship  
Scholarships provide financial assistance to students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Social Impact at UWA and currently working in the not-for-profit sector. Find out more here.