New scholarship fund will support building not-for-profit governance capability

The launch of IoD’s new Scholarship Fund will initially create opportunities and build governance capability and support for directors in the not-for-profit community with the potential to expand into other areas needing support in the future.

Executive search and consulting company SWR Group has provided funding to unlock places, for not-for-profit directors, on IoD’s highly sought-after five day Company Directors’ Course (CDC) and a range of one day Essentials courses.

Chief Executive Kirsten Patterson says IoD understands the challenges that not-for-profit organisations face and what it means to govern them.

“We are delighted to get this initiative underway to continue to find ways to build opportunities for not-for-profit directors to build their capability, and to help drive successful outcomes for their organisations,” Patterson says.

She adds that being a director or trustee on a not-for-profit board “can often mean that you face a range of complex challenges.”

The not-for-profit sector has been a focus for the IoD over recent years and Patterson says the organisation is very grateful to SWR Group for coming on board as its inaugural fund supporter.

“We hope that many others will help us to build the fund for the future - our vision is to build more opportunities for the not-for-profit community and to look supporting other important groups of directors, who may benefit from this fund in the future”.

The fund sits alongside other initiatives, activities and partnerships; the IoD sees building the strength of not-for-profit governance as an important priority for the future.

Director of SWR Group, Graeme Sandri says participating in this initiative is about helping to build strong and sustainable not-for-profit organisations.

“SWR Group is proud to be part of developing leadership talent for the future by supporting IoD’s Scholarship Fund. We are passionate about growing and building talent and playing a role in helping the directors of the future who will lead, grow and develop Aotearoa’s important not-for-profit sector,” Sandri says.

Excited to see this initiative come to life, Sandri hopes it will make a real difference to those who want to continue building their governance skills, including those who may be early in their journey.

The fund provides a great opportunity for not-for-profit directors to build their skills.

The IoD strongly encourages IoD members whose primary role is on a not-for-profit board to apply.

A total of twelve places are available for the scholarship funding. This includes two places on IoD’s Company Directors’ Course -- relevant for those with a minimum of three years’ experience on a board. Ten places will be available across a range of the IoD’s Essentials courses including Governance, Finance Strategy, Risk or Not-for-Profit Governance, depending on availability.

Applications are open now: For more information about the criteria and to access the entry form head here.

If you or your organisation would like to contribute to IoD’s scholarship fund, please contact:

Sophi Rose - General Manager Brand, Strategy and Engagement: sophi.rose@iod.org.nz