NFP Leadership Mentoring Scholarship

Applications are open for the Not for Profit Executive Scholarship for 2016 from McCarthy Mentoring that supports an executive working in the sector to strengthen their leadership and impact on the community.

Now in its fourth year, the scholarship recipient will receive a six month one-to-one Executive Mentoring Program with a successful leader who draws on their executive and board experience to offer insights, guidance and support.

McCarthy Mentoring Executive Director, Sophie McCarthy, said it was important to support leaders who have limited funding for formal professional development yet make a significant impact in the community.  

“The response to the scholarship has shown the issues for executives are similar across the sector – such as managing demanding workloads, building sustainable funding, improving skills, working effectively with boards and having someone to discuss the significant challenges and stresses in leading a successful not for profit organisation,” McCarthy said.

“The evidence shows that mentoring can assist in 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 a commitment to developing others.”

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, has become the CEO of Playgroups NSW and is the Vice President and a Non Executive Director of the NSW Council of Social Service.

2014 scholarship winner, Brett Macdonald, is the Co-Founder and Executive Director for national charity, Dry July Foundation, and a Director at Clear Heads International. Macdonald has been instrumental in Dry July’s year-on-year success and growth. It has collectively raised more than $15 million, helping support 37 cancer services across Australia and New Zealand.

In 2015, Suzanne Connolly-Andrews, CEO of Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services won the scholarship to support her work delivering primary health care and wellbeing services to the community of Yarrabah, Northern Queensland. It followed the transition from government to community-controlled management of the service.

Further information about the McCarthy Mentoring Not for Profit Executive Scholarship is available here. Applications close Friday 12th February 2016.