Simon McKeon has done much to highlight the importance of the NFP sector in Australia during his time as 2011 Australian of the Year

Simon McKeon, social entrepreneur and outgoing Australian of the Year, has done much to highlight the importance of the NFP sector in Australia over the past year.  

 " I'm delighted to endorse ASF and the important capacity building role it performs in a sector so sorely in need of it.

“ I'm passionate about both the not for profit  (NFP) and education sectors. Any society, to be prosperous and inclusive, requires both sectors to be in good shape. And I'm delighted to commend ASF because it brings the two together!

“ ASF fulfills the critical role of ensuring that hundreds of Australian NFPs can access further education, training and development to become more efficient and effective.

“ In 2012, it is particularly pleasing to note the ASF partnership with the Australian-American Fulbright Commission which will enable prestigious international Fulbright Scholarships to be made available to leaders of the Australian NFP sector. ”

 -  Simon McKeon  (Australian of the Year, 2011)

     Fulbright Professional Scholarship in Non-Profit Leadership

The Fulbright Professional Scholarship in Non-Profit Leadership was launched on 10 November 2011 by U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich in Sydney.

It is the first-ever Fulbright Scholarship specifically for the Not-for-Profit (NFP) sector in Australia.  It annually provides an opportunity for an emerging leader in the NFP sector to undertake a program of research and/or professional development in the U.S. for a period of 3-4 months.

Applicants should have a postgraduate qualification OR a minimum of 10 – 15 years work experience.  They should also have a record of achievement gained from a minimum of 3 years employment at a mid to senior level position (Manager/Director) within the NFP sector and have an established leadership profile within the sector.

Scholarship benefits in 2013 (for up to 4 months):

Valued at up to A$40,000 for research and professional development in the United States.  The Scholar will receive (tax free in Australia):

Travel allowance:       $4,000

Dependents travel:      $2,000

Stipend:                       $6,000 per month for a max. of 4 months

Dependents Stipend:   $   250 per month for a max. of 4 months

Domestic travel:          $4,000 to present research at NFP conferences in Australia on return

Fulbright Scholarships also include:

·       Transport and accommodation to attend a two day Orientation Program and the Fulbright Presentation Dinner in Australia (March);

·       The opportunity to participate in Fulbright Enrichment activities while in the U.S;

·       Network opportunities with Australian, U.S. and international Fulbright Scholars and distinguished Alumni.

The Australian Scholarships Foundation is dedicated to providing scholarships to enable managers and directors of NFP charitable organisations to enhance and improve their skills which will help increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the NFP sector.  The Origin Foundation has generously funded this scholarship opportunity for 2013 - 2017.

Click HERE to see the media release. 

For further information on the scholarship visit our FAQs or the Fulbright Commission Website.

In photo: L-R: Prof. Steven Schwartz (Australian-American Fulbright Commission), Ms Amy Lyden (ASF), Prof. Murray Wells (ASF), US Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich, Dr Tangerine Holt (Australian-American Fulbright Commission), Mr Kevin McCann (Chairman of Origin and Origin Foundation Director), Mr Paul Murnane (ASF)