Providing Scholarships for Impact on a Sector

In debating how to approach its support of nonprofit leaders to
attend HBS executive education programs, the Harvard Club of Australia–Victoria
decided the best strategy was to make an impact in one sector. Since 2001, the
club has funded scholarships to the Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit
Management (SPNM) program for 27 CEOs from nonprofits focused on providing
disability support services. According to Graeme Kelly, SPNM 2010, CEO
of the E.W. Tipping Point Foundation, this consistency of effort has strengthened
the community by increasing the speed and quality of reform through improved
leadership capacity. Indeed, this network of attendees has played a critical
role in advocating for reform at both the state and national levels. Building
on that success, this year the club has opened the program to the broader
community service sector. Mary Wooldridge, MBA 1994, was instrumental in
launching the scholarship program 14 years ago; now Minister for Mental Health,
Community Services, and Disability Services and Reform, she reflects on its
impact: “Harvard Fellows are seen as role models for other CEOs in the
disability services sector. In addition, their shared experience has enhanced
their collaboration and commitment to driving broader sector reform. They are
the leading advocates for the once-in-a-generation changes occurring in the
delivery and funding of disability services in Australia.”