Community Director Awards
Community Director Awards
Celebrating not-for-profit leaders
About the Awards
The 2025 Community Director Awards are a celebration of leaders in the $100 billion Australian not-for-profit sector.
At ICDA, we know that the community sector is vital for the development of a thriving and vibrant Australia, and the leaders of community sector organisations continue to push forward the sector and the country.
That's why we're proud to present the 2025 Community Director Awards, celebrating exceptional governance and leadership in the not-for-profit sector.
The awards are designed to celebrate those leaders who help navigate the changes in work, learning, technology, demography, social roles and support that continue to reshape the sector, and the lives of all Australians.
Too often the leaders of community sector organisations - not-for-profit organisations, community groups, schools are forgotten, or simply too busy to be celebrated.
But they deserve recognition. The 2025 Community Director Awards are designed to provide that.
Award categories
Community Director of the Year
Chair of the Year
Treasurer of the Year
Secretary of the Year
Emerging Leader Award
Innovation Award
Community Engagement Award
Key dates
Nominations open
01 August 2025
Nominations close
31 August 2025
Winners announced
At the Joan Kirner Social Justice Oration, 16 October 2025.
Partner with us
Partner with the leading governance network for the not-for-profit sector by becoming a sponsor of the Community Director Awards. Find out more in the Sponsorship Prospectus below or download it here.
Eligibility Criteria
This award recognises a director who exemplifies excellence in governance, leading their organisation with integrity, vision, and a commitment to advancing its mission.
Eligibility criteria:
- Must be a current director of an Australian not-for-profit organization.
- Demonstrated outstanding leadership and governance over the past year.
- Significant contributions to the organization's mission and impact.
- Must have filled out the application form.
This award celebrates a chairperson who has effectively guided their board and organisation, ensuring robust governance and strategic success.
Eligibility criteria:
- Currently serving as the chairperson of an Australian not-for-profit board.
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership in board activities and organisational oversight.
- Fostered a culture of accountability, collaboration, and strategic direction.
This award acknowledges a treasurer who has provided exemplary financial leadership, ensuring the organisation’s fiscal health and integrity.
Eligibility criteria:
- Currently holding the treasurer position in an Australian not-for-profit organisation.
- Demonstrated excellence in financial stewardship, transparency, and reporting.
- Implemented financial strategies that enhanced the organisation’s sustainability.
Honours a secretary who has excelled in supporting board operations through meticulous record-keeping and adherence to governance standards.
Eligibility criteria:
- Currently serving as the secretary of an Australian not-for-profit board.
- Demonstrated diligence in maintaining accurate records, compliance, and governance processes.
- Contributed to effective communication and organisational efficiency.
This award recognises a young leader making substantial contributions to their organisation, demonstrating promise and dedication to the sector’s future.
Eligibility criteria:
- An individual under 35 years old involved in an Australian not-for-profit organisation.
- Demonstrated significant potential and impact in leadership roles.
- Contributed innovative ideas and energy to the organisation’s mission.
This award celebrates creative and forward-thinking approaches that have led to significant improvements or advancements in the not-for-profit sector.
Eligibility criteria:
- An individual or team within an Australian not-for-profit organisation.
- Developed and implemented innovative solutions addressing organisational or community challenges.
- Achieved measurable positive outcomes through their initiatives.
Honours efforts that have successfully connected and empowered communities, fostering collaboration and positive social impact.
Eligibility criteria:
- A team within an Australian not-for-profit organisation.
- Demonstrated excellence in engaging and mobilising the community.
- Implemented programs or initiatives that strengthened community ties and participation.
Stay in the loop
If you'd like to be notified when the Community Director Awards are open for nominations, please click the button below to register your interest. We'll send you the details as soon as they're available.