The Stanford Australia Foundation supports outstanding Australian leaders working in the non-profit and scientific research sectors to undertake executive education at Stanford University-developing the leadership, initiative and innovation which Australia needs to meet complex challenges and build a more resilient future and nation in 2025 and beyond.

About the Foundation

We believe that when education transforms the right leader, its impact can echo far beyond the classroom—changing lives, organisations and the world for future generations.

‍The Stanford Australia Foundation (SAF) invests in the leadership potential of Australian residents working in the non-profit and scientific sectors. Our mission is to strengthen Australia’s capacity to address complex challenges—by enabling purpose-driven leaders to undertake transformative executive education at Stanford University.Founded by Stanford alumni in 2008, SAF exists to give emerging leaders in the non-profit and scientific research sectors the opportunity to step away from daily pressures, gain global perspective, and return with the tools, insight, and ambition to drive change in their organisations and communities.Importantly, the journey doesn't end when the program concludes. SAF scholars return to a vibrant alumni network—where they connect with fellow recipients, engage with Stanford faculty visiting Australia, and contribute to a growing community of purpose-driven leaders committed to advancing the public good.
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Why Stanford

“This is an opportunity to be immersed in a Stanford educational experience which broadens your perspective and connects you with people who are entrepreneurial, collaborative and truly understand the power of positive leadership in changing the world.” Louise Baxter, CEO Starlight Foundation

Stanford University is one of the world’s leading centres of interdisciplinary learning, innovation, and leadership development. Its executive education programs challenge leaders to think bigger, lead more bravely, and collaborate across boundaries. Through immersive learning with global peers, SAF scholars gain not only knowledge—but a renewed sense of purpose, possibility, and power to lead change.

Our Scholarships

We currently offer scholarships each year to support executive education at the Stanford Graduate School of Business:

 Non-Profit Leadership Scholarships

For senior leaders in Australian not-for-profit organisations who demonstrate outstanding potential to advance social outcomes. One scholarship is supported by the Dyson Bequest.

 CSIRO Hawkins Ueland Scholarship
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Awarded annually to a scientist or innovator from the CSIRO ON Innovation Program, this scholarship supports individuals with the potential to lead breakthrough scientific innovation and entrepreneurship for Australia.Each scholarship supports tuition and travel costs for a short-course executive program at Stanford University and an accompanying immersive study trip.supports individuals with the potential to lead breakthrough scientific innovation and entrepreneurship for Australia.Each scholarship supports tuition and travel costs for a short-course executive program at Stanford University and an accompanying immersive study trip.

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Meet Our Most Recent Scholars

Our scholars are scientists, social entrepreneurs, and community leaders committed to improving lives and systems through innovation, compassion, and courage.

Dr Brennen Mills

CEO, Alpha Immersion | 2025 CSIRO Hawkins Ueland Scholar

Pioneering immersive VR training to help health workers manage workplace aggression.

Angelique Wan

CEO, Consent Labs | 2024 The Dyson Bequest Non-Profit Leadership Scholar

Co-founder of a national not-for-profit advancing consent education across Australia.

Shaun Christie-David

Founder, Plate It Forward | 2024 Non-Profit Leadership Scholar

Leading a hospitality-based social enterprise employing marginalised Australians and tackling food insecurity.

Alice Mahar

Founder, The Corner Store Network | 2024 Non-Profit Leadership Scholar

Championing food justice, climate action, and women's empowerment across the Asia Pacific.

Support Our Mission

Make a lasting investment in Australia’s future.

‍Your donation helps emerging leaders from the non-profit and scientific sectors access world-class education at Stanford—and return equipped to drive real, lasting change here in Australia. Every contribution supports a scholar’s journey.
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All donations are fully tax-deductible, and directly fund scholarships.
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If you wish to make a donation via bank transfer, please contact Jacqui Purcell, SAF Treasurer, directly.
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Partner With Us

Corporate Partnership Opportunities: Collaborate at the intersection of leadership, innovation and global impact.

‍The Stanford Australia Foundation invites visionary organisations to partner with us in supporting the next generation of scientific and social sector impact leaders. Our scholars are tackling some of the most complex challenges of our time—from health equity to climate resilience to responsible technology. By partnering with SAF, your organisation aligns with a mission grounded in excellence, global thinking, and public good. Together, we are:

• Accelerating innovation in fields critical to Australia’s future
  
• Equipping high-potential leaders with access to Stanford’s world-class education
• Building a community of purpose-driven, globally connected changemakers
• Showcasing our shared commitment to leadership that delivers real-world impact
  
  

We offer meaningful recognition and engagement opportunities, including event sponsorship, named scholarships, and thought leadership collaborations. To explore partnership opportunities, please contact the Stanford Australia Foundation.
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Not for Profit (NFP) Scholarship Overview

The 2025 Stanford Australia Foundation Scholarship covers the costs for each NFP leader to attend an Executive Education program at the Stanford GSB. SAF awards each scholarship winner with up to AUD $25,000 to cover course fees, economy travel to/from Palo Alto, California, and incidental study tour expenses subject to SAF approval. Costs beyond this amount must be covered by the recipients and/or their supporting NFP organisation.

Scholarship recipients are able to attend the Executive Education course of their choice held at the Graduate School of Business located at Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA, between January 1st and December 31st, 2026. A full list of Executive Education programs can be found here, although applicants are encouraged to consider the six-day Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders (EPNL).

In preparing an application, candidates should review course outlines and consider how the Executive Education program will contribute to fulfilling personal and professional objectives.
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Eligibility Criteria

• Candidate is an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or temporary resident ofAustralia.
  
• Candidate is currently employed in a leadership position at an Australian NFP organisation with Deductible Gift Recipient 1 status (DGR1). Please note that non-executive directors who do not hold a line leadership role are not eligible for SAF scholarships.
• Candidate understands that they are solely responsible for gaining entry through any required application process for their selected course. Scholarship awards are conditional on program entry.
• Scholarship winners will be required to provide a written report  within 1 month of completing their course, describing the impacts of winning the scholarship.
  
  

Evaluation Criteria

• Candidate’s potential for leadership.
  
• Potential impact on the candidate’s organisation.
• Potential impact for the wider Australian community.
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Indicative Scholarship Timeline

Assessment Process

The Stanford Australia Foundation will be managing the assessment, interview, and selection process for this scholarship. When the time comes, you will be notified by SAF about the outcome of your scholarship application. If you have any questions about this process, or if you have problems with your application, please contact us directly at stanfordaustralia@gmail.com