3 minute read time
Welcome to our April 2025 newsletter. For those of you who operate on a financial year basis, you should now have your annual budget approved, if not make sure it is on your upcoming agenda.
Navigating Decision-Making Processes: Tips for Effective Governance
Navigating effective board governance can be challenging. Streamlining Decisions: A Guide to Effective Board Governance, offers practical advice for enhancing collaboration and reducing conflict. This article will discuss:
- Defining roles and responsibilities
- Improving information gathering
- Facilitating open debate
- Establishing clear decision criteria
- Documenting decisions effectively
Unlocking Funding Success: A Guide to Understanding and Aligning with Funders
Do you want to boost your chances of securing funding? It all starts with research. Understanding what funders care about and tailoring your proposal to match can make all the difference. In our latest blog post, we dive into why research matters, how to connect with funders, and what makes a proposal stand out. Don’t miss these practical tips for funding success!
Learn how to:
- Identify potential funders.
- Deeply research their interests.
- Tailor proposals effectively.
- Build valuable relationships.
- Craft a compelling narrative.
Committee Conundrum
Q: What happens if our board or committee is tied in a vote?
A: In the event of a tied vote, the meeting chair has the casting (deciding) vote. This process and use of the casting vote should be outlined in your constitution. Note, the meeting chair is the person who is present at the meeting and the nominated chair for the meeting.
If there is a tied decision, it is important to facilitate an open discussion to ensure all viewpoints are heard and debated to ensure the decision is in the best interest of the organisation.
Upcoming Ask Me Anything Dates
Governance:
Monday 26th May, 5:30pm-6:30pm AEST
Grant Writing:
Monday 12th May, 5:30pm-6:30pm AEST
Previous workshops
I recently facilitated a governance and constitutional review for an inspiring Aboriginal corporation . This corporation, like many growing organisations, needed a refresh of their governance structure. Their original constitution was a bit outdated, and they needed a system that could support their future growth and development. Over a few hours we went through:
- Re-aligning with their purpose: We started by revisiting their core purpose and objectives to ensure alignment – particularly important for charities.
- Scenario planning for the future: We used scenario planning to identify potential challenges which also helped them build a common risk appetite framework.
- Updating the rule book: We clarified ambiguities, removed contradictions, and added new rules to support effective governance. Think of it as a major upgrade!
- Planning for the future: We incorporated their hopes for the future, including succession planning, into the updated constitution.
- Collective brainstorming: We facilitated open discussions among the board, CEO, and executive team, encouraging participation and shared learning.
The updated constitution is now clear, concise, and effective. More importantly, the process itself fostered a shared understanding of risk appetite and best practices. One director even said it was the most informative and useful governance discussion she’d ever had!
Upcoming grants
FRRR – Strengthening Rural Communities Program: Small and Vital Stream
Who Can Apply?
This program aims to give small remote, rural and regional communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds for a broad range of initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities.
There are two tiers of funding available:
Small grant projects: Up to $10,000 (projects must be undertaken between September 2025 and October 2026)
Larger leverage projects: Up to $50,000 (projects must be undertaken between September 2025 and April 2027)
Open: 28th March 2025
Closes: 24th June 2025
Grant Amount: Up to $50,000
More Information: https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/src-small-vital
Expert Tips for this grant:
FRRR’s Small & Vital program supports thriving, resilient, and sustainable remote, rural and regional communities across Australia. In particular, priority will be given to projects that:
- Support communities to implement generational transition;
- Invest in outback, remote, and less resourced communities;
- Build capacity and resourcing for a just and equitable energy transition;
- Support First Nations-led initiatives that strengthen culture, country, economic participation, and reconciliation.