Welcome to NFP Guide Foundation
Strengthening wellbeing for community leaders
We established a Foundation arm to our social enterprise to provide probono support and guidance. We know that many organisations, particularly volunteer-led locally governed organisations aren’t able to access affordable support at the time they need it. We know passionate volunteers and staff who lead these locally governed groups often face immense pressure, juggling complex responsibilities from fundraising and governance to human resources and compliance. This can lead to significant stress, burnout, and even social isolation, impacting their mental well-being, the organisation and the community they serve.
Our purpose is clear: to improve the mental well-being of these invaluable volunteers and staff by building their capacity to effectively manage, fund, and govern their social purpose organisations. We are established as a not-for-profit foundation, committed to relieving the suffering, hardship, and disadvantage experienced by those at the forefront of community service.
Why we do what we do: Many locally governed volunteer organisations, especially smaller ones, operate with limited resources and often rely on people who may not have prior business or management experience in the industry. It’s often said that volunteers get on committees and boards to make a difference, and find themselves unexpectedly navigating intricate legal, financial, operational and human resource complexities.
This demanding environment can lead to:
- Overwhelming Stress and Burnout: The constant pressure of multiple roles, coupled with the personal investment in their cause, can take a heavy toll on mental health, often spilling into personal lives and leading to feelings of isolation.
- Capacity Gaps: A lack of essential skills in areas like fundraising, strategic planning, and robust governance can hinder an organisation’s ability to grow, secure funding, and achieve its mission effectively.
- Governance Complexities: Understanding and implementing sound governance practices is crucial for sustainability and compliance, yet it’s often an area where small NFPs lack expertise and support .
We recognise these challenges and are here to provide the guidance and support needed to transform these burdens into opportunities for growth and resilience.
How We Help: Our Programs
NFP Guide Foundation offers practical, accessible, and targeted programs designed to equip volunteers and staff with the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
Over the coming months, we’ll be announcing programs dedicated to guide board, staff and volunteers to govern, fund and manage their organisations and reduce their stress and burnout.
Our Impact: Stronger Leaders, Healthier Communities
By building the capacity of volunteers and staff, the NFP Guide Foundation will contribute to building healthier, sustainable and adaptable community organisations.
Our impact goal is to:
- Improved Mental Well-being: Reduced stress and burnout, leading to greater personal satisfaction and resilience.
- Enhanced Confidence: Volunteers and staff feel more capable and secure in their leadership roles.
- Sustainable Organisations: Stronger governance, effective fundraising, and efficient management contribute to the long-term viability of social purpose organisations.
- Thriving Communities: Empowered NFPs are better positioned to deliver vital services, addressing disadvantage and fostering positive change in their communities.
Meet Our Board: Guiding Our Mission
The NFP Guide Foundation is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors, who have lived experience in organisations and bring extensive governance, financial and lived experience in grass roots organisations. Our board members overseeing our strategy, finances, and operations embodying the commitment and passion we aim to foster in the sector.
Our Board’s responsibilities include:
- Strategic Direction: Setting the Foundation’s mission, strategy, and goals .
- Financial Oversight: Ensuring financial stability and compliance, and overseeing fundraising efforts.
- Governance and Accountability: Upholding legal and ethical standards, and promoting transparency in our operation .
- Advocacy and Community Building: Serving as ambassadors for our mission and engaging with stakeholders.
Sharon Grocott
Chair
Sharon Grocott is a prominent leader in the mental health sector, currently serving as the CEO of WayAhead, an organisation dedicated to mental health awareness and support . Her extensive experience includes advocating for mental health awareness and discussing resources designed to help educators work with children on mental health and well-being in classrooms . Sharon’s expertise encompasses areas such as anxiety, children’s mental health, community support, education, emotional regulation, and the development of mental health resources . Her deep understanding of the challenges families face in seeking mental health support makes her an invaluable asset to the NFP Guide Foundation, particularly in addressing the mental well-being of volunteers and staff in social purpose organisations.
Dr Dominic Cudmore
Dr. Dominic Cudmore is a highly experienced lawyer with a distinguished career spanning both government and private sectors . He currently serves as a Pro Bono Coordinator in North Sydney, demonstrating his commitment to providing legal assistance to those in need .
Dr. Cudmore possesses extensive expertise in advising the Not-for-Profit (NFP) and charitable sectors across all aspects of their operations.
His areas of specialisation are particularly relevant to the NFP Guide Foundation’s mission, including NFP and charities law, NFP tax arrangements, employment law, human rights, child protection, professional standards, and NFP mergers and acquisitions . Furthermore, Dominic is skilled in training, facilitation, and mediation, skills that are directly applicable to building the capacity of NFP leaders.
He also undertook higher studies at the Institut d’études théologiques (IET) in Brussels, Belgium, from 2009 to 2011 . His comprehensive legal and advisory background provides critical guidance for the Foundation’s governance and capacity-building initiatives.
Michael Nolan
Michael Nolan (also known as Mike Nolan) is a respected Aboriginal community leader with deep roots across the Dubbo region. Mr. Nolan has a strong background spanning both the public and private sectors. Mr. Nolan brings a wealth of experience working with young people and a profound commitment to community well-being and cultural pride.
He brings a diverse range of expertise in environmental management, cultural heritage protection, defence, immigration, cultural heritage assessment, community land and housing management and has worked on critical community projects including housing, infrastructure, youth engagement, Aboriginal culture, transport and food security.
His diverse leadership and deep understanding of regional community needs make him a valuable asset to the NFP Guide Foundation
Natalie Bramble
Secretary
Natalie Bramble is a passionate advocate for the social impact world, dedicated to empowering non-profits and social enterprises, particularly in remote, rural, and regional communities. She is the co-founder of NFP Guide, iClick2Learn, Win the Grant or Tender and the NFP Guide foundation. Natalie developed these businesses and designed business models to address the inequality of access to knowledge, tools, and professional development opportunities in these areas, even contributing seed funding to establish the NFP Guide Foundation, an arm of certified social enterprise, NFP Guide.
Her commitment to community is evident through her active involvement in supporting non-profits and serving on various community boards, where she has offered her consultancy and business development expertise. She has also served as an independent board member for educational initiatives, focusing on 21st-century skills and student-driven learning.
Recognised for her significant contributions, Natalie has received multiple accolades, including awards for excellence in inclusion, workplace culture, business development, online learning programs, presentation and marketing , and has been listed among leading business women in her region. She was also awarded a prestigious scholarship for a mentoring program, funded by a government office for women, underscoring her belief in the transformative power of mentoring for personal and professional growth.