To unleash the power of diverse leadership, we need to remove barriers to it. That includes financial barriers, which is why we’re pleased to offer a limited number of full and partial scholarships to our National Leadership Program.
Our scholarships are made possible by our generous donors and partners. Please take a look at the scholarships below and if you have any questions about them or other barriers you face, please email us so we can make time to talk.
As a first step, applicants should approach their workplace to cover the program expenses. If this proves to be a challenge, we are here to assist you in advocating within your organisation and exploring alternative funding sources such as grants, crowdfunding, and direct sponsorship to cover your participation costs.
The fund was established by Samara and Eleni McIlroy in honour of their mother, Dr Deb Foskey. A passionate environmentalist, advocate for East Gippsland, and the Greens member for Molonglo from 2004 to 2008, Deb is remembered for her flair, poise and mentorship of other women. Read more of Dr Deb Foskey’s inspiring story here.
Alumni from our programs are invited to help fund this important scholarship. It is available for a First Nations woman or gender diverse person to participate in our transformative leadership program each year.
WELA and our alumni recognise the essential contribution of Indigenous women’s leadership in creating a sustainable and thriving future. Connection to Country, and centering indigenous justice and reconciliation with people and Country, are essential to our shared vision for the future. We are committed to supporting and learning from Indigenous women’s leadership.
Merri-bek City Council established this scholarship to support women from its community in Melbourne’s inner north to participate in the WELA National Leadership Program. The scholarship covers the full program cost and travel costs for one person.
Merri-bek Council’s goal is to work with the community to achieve a zero carbon Merri-bek by 2040. The key components of its vision are:
This scholarship will support the further development of leadership from within Merri-bek’s community, enabling a better future for our planet, our city, our community and our children.
Biodiversity Legacy is pleased to establish this part scholarship to support women and gender diverse people working (paid or unpaid) across Australia for biodiversity conservation.
The Biodiversity Legacy is an organisation dedicated to supporting a groundswell of individuals, communities and organisations who want to protect biodiversity and ensure the equitable transfer of land to future generations.
In addition to your participation in WELA’s National Leadership Program, the scholarship recipient will be introduced to the Biodiversity Legacy networks. Biodiversity Legacy hopes to foster an ongoing supportive relationship with scholarship recipients to supercharge their leadership.
The scholarship covers a partial program cost of $3300 (including GST and travel costs) for one person.
Rendere Environment Trust is pleased to establish this part scholarship to support women and gender diverse people working (paid or unpaid) across Australia for biodiversity conservation.
The Rendere Environment Trust is a specialist philanthropic organisation that dedicates 100% of its resources to the environment – Rendere meaning ‘to give’ in Italian.
In addition to your participation in WELA’s National Leadership Program, the scholarship recipient will be introduced to the Rendere Environment Trust networks. The Rendere Environment Trust hopes to foster an ongoing supportive relationship with scholarship recipients to supercharge their leadership.
The scholarship covers a partial program cost $3300 (including GST and travel costs) for one person.
Wettenhall Environment Trust is pleased to establish this scholarship to support a woman or gender diverse person working (paid or unpaid) across Australia with a focus on biodiversity, landscape ecology protection and restoration into WELA’s National Leadership Program.
The Wettenhall Environment Trust is a grant making organisation, funding small groups to make a big difference. Wettenhall Grants support projects that enhance and maintain the vitality and diversity of the Australian natural living environment.
The scholarship covers the full program cost and travel costs for one person.