A major new investment in First Peoples Leading will expand opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders across Australia. The funding will strengthen culturally grounded leadership programs, making them more accessible and equipping more First Nations people with the skills, confidence, and connections to drive positive change in their communities and workplaces.
Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF) will support First Peoples Leading with a $780,000 grant over three years to enable scholarships for its First Nations designed and delivered leadership programs, supporting participants join a growing network of First Nations leaders creating positive change across sectors.
The grant will support First Nations peoples at all career stages to access subsidised places across First Peoples Leading’s three flagship programs: Next Gen, Impact, and Changemakers. By covering up to 85% of program costs, the funding supports accessibility for leaders who are studying, self-employed, or working for an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO), a First Nations-led not-for-profit or a First Nations-owned and operated business.
Ben Ballard, CEO of First Peoples Leading, said the scholarship funding is an important step in giving more people access to leadership opportunities and developing great leaders.
"Leadership development shouldn't be a luxury – it's key for creating positive change across our societies," he said.
"If there has ever been a time when we needed real change to create a better future for everyone, that time is now.
"When we remove financial barriers and provide culturally responsive leadership development for First Peoples, we strengthen more than individual careers or organisations. We create positive, lasting change that flows through our communities and beyond, reshaping the systems that affect all First Peoples."
Michelle Steele, PRF’s Chief First Nations Officer, said PRF was proud to support First Peoples Leading’s vision of strengthening First Nations leadership to drive meaningful positive change.
“This funding will help bridge the gap in accessible, culturally relevant leadership training for First Nations leaders – particularly those from smaller, grassroots organisations,” she said.
“By investing in First Nations leaders, we are investing in stronger communities and more impactful organisations. It’s clear the impact of these programs goes beyond developing leaders’ skills – they build networks, confidence, and agency, creating a ripple effect of positive change.”
For many participants, the opportunity to pause, reflect, and develop leadership skills in a culturally safe and supportive environment is transformative.
Coral Lever, CEO of First Nations Response and a graduate of First Peoples Leading’s Impact program, said the leadership development provided critical skills and knowledge for empowering First Peoples.
“We know that self-determination for Mob is key,” she said. “We are more than capable of running our own businesses and organisations, but we do need support.
“Having opportunities like this means you’re actually helping develop what’s needed for our communities. It’s by Mob for Mob, but we need these opportunities – otherwise, we won’t be able to fill skill gaps or build our organisations with the support we need.”
Since 2020, First Peoples Leading has supported more than 450 graduates through programs that blend global leadership frameworks with cultural knowledge and lived experience. Each program is designed and delivered by experienced First Nations leaders, equipping participants with the skills, networks, and confidence to lead with both head and heart.
