Apply today for this unique chance to develop as a leader in the voluntary sector, gain new experiences and expertise and increase your impact.
The Walter Dickie Leadership Bursary is back for 2026 and is now open for applications, helping leaders in the voluntary sector to grow and improve their leadership skills.
The bursary is managed by our Social Investment Cymru team and the deadline for applications is 16 October 2026.
WHAT WE’LL FUND
The parameters of how the bursary can be spent are open and applicants are encouraged to come up with interesting ideas to support their own development as a leader. Walter had a passion for travel and for learning, and we wanted this bursary to reflect that. The money could be used:
- on a particular course of study
- on funding a visit, possibly overseas, to see how others approach things, or
- simply anything that the beneficiary feels will move them and their organisation forward
The only limits are your imagination!
PREVIOUS GRANT RECIPIENTS
Since 2017 the bursary has funded:
- A study visit to Copenhagen for lessons on sustainable transport
- A community gardening learning exchange in Montreal
- Network building and information sharing in the arts sector
- Several leadership development courses such as the Enterprising Leaders course with Social Enterprise Academy Cymru
- A game-changing trip to Hollywood for inclusive film charity, TAPE Community Music and Film
- A study trip to Canada, to learn first-hand about refugee employment services and about work to influence government policy
- A study visit to Singapore, to meet with national agencies and speak with professionals to find out how they’re using technology to work with young people
- A visit to the Netherlands to meet pioneers in the field of smart home technology for disabled people
Read more about how people have made use of our leadership bursary.
2025 WINNER
The 2025 Walter Dickie Leadership bursary was awarded to Ashley Bale of Innovate Trust.
Ashley plans to use the bursary to fund a study visit to the Netherlands, a country emerging as a leader in accessible smart housing technology and policy implementation. They have pioneered approaches to smart home technology that prioritise independence for disabled people whilst remaining cost-effective and scalable.
He’ll meet experts working in the fields of inclusive mobility and accessibility in Amsterdam who are mapping and accounting for physical hindrances in public areas for wheelchair users, as well as other scientists and innovators.
FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to support a vital leader in the voluntary sector.
To find out more and make an application please visit our Walter Dickie Leadership Bursary page.
The deadline for applications is 16 October 2026.