Fellowships Fund Inc.

Fellowships Fund Inc. (FFI) is a nonprofit organization in Australia dedicated to promoting postgraduate education for women by providing fellowships (scholarships) for further study and research. It is closely associated with Graduate Women Qld (formerly AFUWQ), an organization committed to enhancing educational opportunities for women.

Background

FFI operates as a separately incorporated group within Graduate Women Qld. The organization's funds were primarily built through income from an academic regalia business that operated over several decades, renting and selling academic dress to institutions in Queensland. This business was run by volunteer members, allowing the organization to accumulate capital over time.

Activities

FFI provides financial support to women pursuing advanced degrees, including Masters and Doctorates. Their scholarships are awarded in various disciplines such as marine biology, architecture, law, mathematics, social work, archaeology, economics, molecular biology, management, music, information technology, and performing arts.

Scholarship Offerings

Each year, FFI awards several one-year fellowships and one three-year fellowship. These awards are designed to support women graduates from Queensland universities and international students seeking to study in Queensland. The stipend for these fellowships is set at a level slightly above the Australian Postgraduate Awards (APG) and is adjusted accordingly as APG levels change.

Eligibility and Outreach

FFI's scholarships are open to Australian citizens who are graduates of a Queensland university, as well as women graduates from around the world who wish to pursue their studies in Queensland. Since its inception, FFI and AFUWQ together have awarded over 200 fellowships, supporting postgraduate education across more than ten countries.

Structure and Operations

FFI is a charity with no full-time employees, relying on volunteer efforts and efficient financial management to maximize the impact of its resources. This structure allows the organization to maintain low administrative costs, ensuring that a significant portion of its funds goes directly towards supporting scholarship recipients.

Impact

By providing these scholarships, Fellowships Fund Inc. plays a crucial role in empowering women to pursue advanced academic studies. The organization's long-term commitment to fostering educational opportunities reflects its dedication to promoting gender equity in higher education.

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/63364b76-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077 [2] https://fellowshipsfund.com.au/about/ [3] https://fellowshipsfund.com.au [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/63364b76-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077/documents/994ce24e-a17b-ee11-8179-002248110683 [5] https://hcaustralia.clubs.harvard.edu/article.html?aid=154