National Mentoring Scholarship for NFP Leader
22 January 2014 at 2:14 pm
A national mentoring specialist, McCarthy Mentoring, has launched its Executive Not for Profit Mentoring Scholarship for 2014.
Now in its second year, the scholarship is designed to support an executive working in the Not for Profit sector to strengthen their leadership and impact on the community.
McCarthy Mentoring Executive Director Sophie McCarthy said the chosen recipient would receive a six-month one-to-one mentoring program with a successful business leader who would offer insights, guidance and support.
Valued at $7,800 the program includes resources, tools and access to networking events.
“It’s important to support leaders who have limited funding for formal professional development yet have the capacity to make a significant impact in the community,” McCarthy said.
“In 2013, the leadership issues cited were similar across the board – managing demanding workloads, building sustainable funding, improving skills, communicating effectively with boards and having someone to discuss the significant challenges and stresses in leading a successful not for profit organisation.
“The evidence shows that mentoring can assist with many of these issues by increasing self-confidence, building stronger networks, improving performance, clarifying goals and strengthening skills.
“Mentoring can also offer insights on board dynamics, governance and leadership in a confidential, independent forum.
“The mentor will be chosen from our suite of well-respected leaders from business, government and the not for profit sector that have not only reached the top of their fields but share our commitment to developing others,” she said.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for any executive looking to achieve their personal and organisational goals and strengthen their capacity to affect change in the Australian community.”
The scholarship is open to a member of an executive team in an Australian Not for Profit organisation. Applicants may live anywhere within Australia.
2013 scholarship winner, Karen Bevan received the scholarship for her work in advocacy for disadvantaged children and families at UnitingCare.
Since then she has lead the submissions team on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and is the Vice President and a Non Executive Director of the NSW Council of Social Service.
Bevan described the mentoring scholarship as a “life changing experience”.
“Particularly the experience of investigating my own career, asking the hard questions and focusing on your own path and not just the organisation that you work for,” Bevan said.
“The impressive mentors also keep you accountable for your plans and ideas.
“In the Not for profit sector, executives and mid career rising executives are often so focused on their mission they are uncomfortable with self promotion.”
Bevan said Not for Profits should invest in staff development.
Further information about the McCarthy Mentoring Not for Profit Executive Scholarship is available on www.mccarthymentoring.com.
To apply, applicants need to complete the Scholarship Application Form and email it along with a CV to enquiries@mccarthymentoring.com by 5pm, Monday, February 10.
