Calendar

Fundraising isn’t just about asking for money—it’s about demonstrating value, building trust, and inspiring action. In today’s competitive philanthropic landscape, funders expect more than passion; they want evidence of impact, alignment with their goals, and confidence that their support will deliver measurable results.

Does this sound familiar?

• You’ve made multiple approaches to funders with little response.
• You feel uncertain about what funders really want and how to attract core funding.
• You’re juggling competing priorities, unsure how to balance strategic fundraising with operational demands.

Our Pitch to Impact program will change the way you approach fundraising, and help you secure the funds you need to achieve your mission.

By the end of this program, you’ll have:

1. A Compelling Funder-Ready Pitch: Learn how to communicate your organisation’s mission with clarity, evidence, and emotional resonance.
2. Confidence to Make the Ask: Walk into every funding conversation prepared and self-assured.
3. An Actionable Fundraising Roadmap: Develop a clear, step-by-step plan to secure funding in 2025 and beyond.

This course costs $995.00 to attend. Places are strictly limited. To register to attend please click below.

Dates:
5, 12, 19 November. Plus a one-on-one debrief with Catherine Brooks.

Learn more.

You’ve done the hard yards in fundraising - you have a strategy, a plan, and you’ve put in the hard work to put together a website and the fundraising page. But is that it?

After working with small and medium-sized not-for-profit organisations for over two decades, the team at GiveNow, Australia’s first and best all-in-one online fundraising platform for grassroots community groups, is joining Community Directors for a special webinar to share their knowledge and experience with you.

Join us for a hands-on, interactive workshop where we will show you exactly what works - no jargon, no fluff, with step-by-step live demonstrations and actionable takeaways with no technical expertise or marketing budget required.

🎈 And it’s FREE! Book your spot today.

Tuesday 11 November | 1:00–2:00 PM AEDT | Online (recorded), Interactive & Free

Register now.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the community sector, whether they’re sizzling sausages at the local fair, coordinating vital fundraisers, or providing vision and leadership in the boardroom. Without them, many organisations would be unable to keep the doors open.

Despite this, many organisations aren’t properly set up to effectively manage their volunteers. In this webinar, we'll help set you up for success with your volunteers.

Key Details

Date: Thursday, 13 November, 2025
Time: 1pm to 2pm AEDT (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: Free!

Register now.

For-purpose organisations need to think creatively and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset to stay relevant and financially stable in a rapidly changing world. Whether you are a not-for-profit, a charity, or a purpose-driven business, understanding how to turn your existing assets into new sources of income is key to creating long-lasting impact.

Key Details

Date: Monday, 17 November, 2025
Time: 1pm to 2pm AEDT (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: Free!

Register now.

Who really has time for strategic planning? There is so much going on within our organisations that demands our attention. It's tempting to leave strategic planning languishing on the back burner. But strategic planning shouldn't be an afterthought. Decisions we make in today's board meetings will reach well into our future. In the absence of a clear strategic plan, its unlikely to be a well-informed decision-making process. If you're not forward planning, the future may not thank you!

Key Details

Date: Tuesday, 18 November, 2025
Time: 1pm to 4pm AEDT (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: ICDA members can attend this webinar for just $185 (normally $249)

Register now.

A new Labor voice for the social sector will take centre stage in the latest edition of The Not-for-profit Agenda, the Institute of Community Directors Australia’s free, one-hour quarterly news webinar.

This episode’s special guest is Melbourne MP Sarah Witty, who was elected this year in a nail-biting contest that unseated former Greens leader Adam Bandt.

This free webcast is part of ICDA’s mission to educate, inform and inspire leaders, directors and staff within the community sector, with more great guests expected to be added before the Not-for-profit Agenda airs.

Key Details

Date: Thursday, 20 November, 2025
Time: 12.30pm to 1.30pm AEDT (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: Free!

Register now.

Community Sector Chairs is a three-session program designed to help new and aspiring Board Chairs understand their role on the board, and their responsibilities to the board.

The sessions will cover the Chair's role in:

1. The Chair’s role in governance and leadership
2. Making healthy decisions in the board room
3. Leading an organisation beyond meetings

Participants will learn alongside other community sector chairs, in sessions designed to enable them to connect and network with their peers. This training takes place online.

Those who complete all three sessions will receive a Certificate in Chairs Leadership, a micro-credential accredited by the Institute of Community Directors Australia.

Key Details

Session 1: Thursday, November 20

Session 2: Thursday, November 27

Session 3: Thursday, December 4

Register now.

Key Details

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 1pm to 4pm AEDT (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: ICDA members can attend this webinar for just $185 (normally $249)

Register now.

This webinar explores how NFPs can embed innovation into their DNA – without needing deep pockets or unlimited capacity. From using existing resources differently to embracing strategic risk-taking, it offers practical insights to help NFPs think differently, experiment wisely, and drive lasting change. Because in a sector dedicated to solving society’s toughest problems, standing still is not an option.

Key Details

Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Time: 1pm to 2pm AEDT (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: Free!

Register now.

As many as one in five Australians are neurodivergent, but many organisations are missing out on tapping into this pool of employees because they continue to use outdated recruitment and work practices.

In this session, Community Directors trainer and ADHD and ICF accredited coach Annabel Rattigan will help you to:

• Understand what a neuro-affirming workplace means
• Learn how to support and empower neurodivergent employees
• How to reduce barriers and improve workplace inclusive
• Foster a culture of strength-based leadership.
  

Key Details

Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
Time: 1pm to 2pm AEDT (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: Free!

Register now.

AI is changing how we work, and not-for-profits have the power to shape how it’s used for good.
Join us for a practical session on the AI6 Guardrails for Australia and what they mean for purpose-driven organisations.

At this training, you'll learn how to:

• Build trust through transparency and human oversight
• Identify and manage risks in simple, practical ways
• Test and monitor AI tools responsibly
• Keep fairness, inclusion and care at the heart of your digital decisions

This course translates complex policy into clear, doable steps for small and medium NFPs. No tech background needed, just curiosity and a commitment to doing AI the safe way.

This 30-minute lunch and learn session will be held live and free on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 from 1:00pm to 1:30pm AEDT.

Key details

Date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Time: 1:00pm-1:30pm AEDT

Location: Online | Recorded

Price: FREE!

Register.

Community Sector Treasurers is a three-session program which equips NFP and community treasurers with the knowledge and skills to manage financial responsibilities effectively.

Delivered over three 2-hour sessions, this course will cover core topics, tools, and strategies to ensure compliance, reporting accuracy, and financial planning.

• Foundations of the treasurer’s role and financial administration (session 1)
• Reporting and financial strategy (session 2)
• Strategic planning and collaboration (session 3)

The three sessions will take place online and have been designed to support connection and networking amongst participants.

Those who complete all three sessions will receive a Certificate in Community Treasury, a micro-credential accredited by the Institute of Community Directors Australia.

Key Details:

Session 1: Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Session 2: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Session 3: Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Register now.

Master the key principles of risk management, compliance, and governance resilience in the not-for-profit sector. This course equips board members and senior leaders with practical strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate risks while ensuring compliance with regulatory, financial, and governance obligations.

Key Details

Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: 1pm to 4pm AEDT (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: ICDA members can attend this webinar for just $185 (normally $249)

Register now.

The NFP Leadership Certificate is an online program that will equip leaders with the skills, knowledge, tools and connections required to take the next big step in their leadership journey.

Leaders who want to get more done need to start doing less.

But when you're so used to doing the doing, it can be difficult to take a step back and start leading.

ICDA's NFP Leadership Certificate provides space for middle and senior managers to lift their gaze and look at the big picture.

Taking place each Monday across 4 weeks, we'll be bringing together leaders from across Australia, via Zoom, to hone their leadership skills and explore what it truly means to lead.

Key Details

Session 1: Wednesday, 4 March 2026. 9am-Midday AEDT.
Session 2: Wednesday, 11 March 2026. 9am-Midday AEDT.
Session 3: Wednesday, 18 March 2026. 9am-Midday AEDT.
Session 4: Wednesday, 25 March 2026. 9am-Midday AEDT.

Find out more.

Community Sector Secretaries is a three-session program designed to help company secretaries understand their role on the board, and the responsibilities to the board.

The sessions will cover the secretary's role in:

• Regulatory and legislative compliance, decision-making and ethical obligations (session 1)
• Keeping the board on track with responsibilities and timelines (session 2)
• Supporting inclusion and accessibility and ensuring effective induction and onboarding of new board members (session 3)

Participants will learn alongside other community sector secretaries, in sessions designed to enable them to connect and network with their peers. This training takes place online.

Those who complete all three sessions will receive a Certificate in Community Sector Secretaryship, a micro-credential accredited by the Institute of Community Directors Australia.

Key Details

Session 1: Thursday, March 12, 2026

Session 2: Thursday, March 19, 2026

Session 3: Thursday, March 26, 2026

Register now.

The best leaders bring out the strengths in those around them. Getting the best out of your people is always important, but for time- and resource-poor organisations, even more so.

Join ICDA for this interactive workshop where will look at the role coaching plays in inspiring your team to harness their strengths and insights, achieving the largest possible impact.

Key Details

Date: Tuesday, 24 March, 2026
Time: 1pm to 4pm AEDT (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: ICDA members can attend this webinar for just $185 (normally $249)

Register now.

Who really has time for strategic planning? There is so much going on within our organisations that demands our attention. It's tempting to leave strategic planning languishing on the back burner.

But strategic planning shouldn't be an afterthought. Decisions we make in today's board meetings will reach well into our future. In the absence of a clear strategic plan, its unlikely to be a well-informed decision-making process. If you're not forward planning, the future may not thank you!

Key Details

Date: Tuesday, 31 March, 2026
Time: 1pm to 4pm AEDT (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: ICDA members can attend this webinar for just $185 (normally $249)

Register now.

Many boards fall into the trap of reviewing reports and activity rather than making strategic choices that create the future.

Join BoardPro and Community Directors for this webinar which will help your board meetings go from simple status updates to strategic conversations.

At this webinar, you'll learn how to:

• Craft a board agenda
• Develop board reports
• Lift the quality of your discussions
• Sharpen your strategic lens
• Create a meeting environment where insight, foresight and high-value decisions become the norm
• Shift from passive oversight to energetic exploration, driving vision and genuine strategic impact.

The session is based on practical examples of many high-performance boards. You'll leave with actionable steps and templates that could transform your board meetings immediately.

This 1 hour webinar will be held live and free on Thursday 12 March from 1:00pm to 2:00pm AEDT.

Register now.

This workshop has been designed to help directors understand their roles and responsibilities as a board member, and how to review and apply the organisation’s constitution.

Key Details

Date: Thursday, 16 April 2026
Time: 1pm to 4pm AEST (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: ICDA members can attend this webinar for just $185 (normally $249)

Register now.

Fundraising is the lifeblood of most community organisations, yet it’s an often-neglected task. Most organisations draw the majority of their income from just one or two sources. That’s a dangerous strategy. If one of those sources dries up, you could quickly face a budget black hole.

Key Details

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time: 1pm to 4pm AEST (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: ICDA members can attend this webinar for just $185 (normally $249)

Register now.

Board secretaries face unique challenges, from ensuring transparency to keeping accurate records—all while maintaining confidentiality.

As a result, secretaries may find themselves in a difficult position, caught between board members fighting over what should be shared with the wider public, and what should not.

This webinar equips secretaries with essential strategies for maintaining healthy relationships with the rest of the board. Attendees will leave with enhanced confidence in navigating boardroom dynamics, and gain a better understanding of how to effectively communicate with fellow board members.

Key Details

Date: Tuesday, 12 May 2026.
Time: 1pm to 2pm AEST (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: ICDA members can attend this webinar for just $185 (normally $249)

Register now.

Overseeing the finances is probably one of the most important tasks you have as a board member. Financial literacy will put your organisation in the best position to promote and fulfil your organisation’s mission. If you don’t understand how the finances work, you’ll be at risk of getting caught up if anything goes wrong.

How well do you understand the financial performance and position of your organisation?

Key Details

Date: Wednesday, 27 May, 2026
Time: 1pm to 4pm AEST (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: ICDA members can attend this webinar for just $185 (normally $249)

Register now.

Community Sector Secretaries is a three-session program designed to help company secretaries understand their role on the board, and the responsibilities to the board.

The sessions will cover the secretary's role in:

• Regulatory and legislative compliance, decision-making and ethical obligations (session 1)
• Keeping the board on track with responsibilities and timelines (session 2)
• Supporting inclusion and accessibility and ensuring effective induction and onboarding of new board members (session 3)

Participants will learn alongside other community sector secretaries, in sessions designed to enable them to connect and network with their peers. This training takes place online.

Those who complete all three sessions will receive a Certificate in Community Sector Secretaryship, a micro-credential accredited by the Institute of Community Directors Australia.

Key Details

Session 1: Thursday, June 11, 2026

Session 2: Thursday, June 18, 2026

Session 3: Thursday, June 25, 2026

Register now.

Community boards often receive funding for specific one-off projects that are within scope of their strategic objectives but may not fall under the annual operational plan or budget. Boards may also develop projects to investigate an area of concern or solve a problem in the organisation. In these situations, it’s important for organisations to be able to understand the roles of the board and of management in ensuring the project is managed appropriately in terms of inputs, outcomes and compliance.

Key Details

Date: Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Time: 1pm to 4pm AEST (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: ICDA members can attend this webinar for just $185 (normally $249)

Register now.

Community Directors and Moore come together to provide an update on everything you need to know before reporting your organisation’s finances at the end of the financial year.

We'll cover:

• new requirements for 30 June
• update on AASB NFP project
• Current economical and regulatory environment

Key Details

Date: Tuesday, 23 June 2026
Time: 1pm to 2pm AEST (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: ICDA members can attend this webinar for just $99 (normally $120)

Register now.

An organisation which can use its data effectively will be able to tell a compelling story of relevance and success to potential funders, supporters and stakeholders. Impact evaluation does not have to be expensive and can be done on a shoestring by putting a few systems in place. Every organisation collects information, and often, an evaluation can be carried out, using just the information you are collecting anyway.

Key Details

Date: Monday, 29 June, 2026
Time: 1pm to 4pm AEST (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: ICDA members can attend this webinar for just $185 (normally $249)

Register now

The prospect of taking minutes at your organisation’s board meetings may make you feel a little overwhelmed, but there’s no need to worry. If you’re well prepared, know what needs to be recorded and know what you need to do with the minutes after the meeting, then you have nothing to worry about. Join us at this webinar to learn everything you need to know to become an expert at taking minutes.

Key Details

Date: Tuesday, 30 June, 2026
Time: 1pm to 2pm AEST (check the webpage for your local time).
Price: ICDA members can attend this webinar for just $99 (normally $120)

Register now