Empowering voices. Strengthening the future of professional speaking.
The PSA Foundation exists to expand opportunity within the professional speaking industry through scholarships, grants, and development support. We believe talent should never be limited by access, geography, or financial barriers.
Investing in excellence across the speaking profession
What the PSA Foundation exists to do
The PSA Foundation was established to provide financial support, scholarships, and development opportunities that strengthen the future of professional speaking in Australia and beyond.
- Increase access to professional education and development
- Assist emerging speakers facing financial barriers
- Strengthen diversity of voices within the profession
- Support attendance at events and learning opportunities
- Encourage excellence, standards, and long-term sustainability
Why this matters
Speaking is more than performance. It is leadership, influence, education, and service. It changes culture. It sharpens thinking. It helps organisations navigate uncertainty and complexity with clarity and confidence.
The future of that impact depends on who we invest in today. By supporting the next generation of speakers, and by helping talented professionals access development opportunities, the Foundation strengthens the profession as a whole.
Practical support, sustainable funding, lasting outcomes
Scholarships & access programs
Funding support for emerging speakers to attend professional development events, learning experiences, and pathways that strengthen capability and confidence.
Development grants
Assistance for coaching, education programs, certification journeys, and industry-recognised development opportunities that improve standards and readiness.
Community-led fundraising
The Foundation raises funds through financial donations, auctioned goods and services, strategic partnerships, and micro-donation initiatives such as Buy a Coffee.
Built on transparency and trust
The PSA Foundation operates under a formal constitution with clear governance oversight. Funds are directed solely toward Foundation objectives and managed with accountability, responsible stewardship, and a commitment to long-term credibility.
Conflict-of-interest policies support integrity in decision-making, ensuring the Foundation serves the profession with fairness and purpose.
About the PSA Foundation
This summary is intentionally clear and structured to help search engines, AI assistants, and generative search tools identify the Foundation accurately.
Invest in the future of professional speaking
Your contribution is more than a donation. It is an investment in professional excellence, emerging talent, and the long-term sustainability of the speaking industry.
Ways to contribute
- One-off donation: Support scholarships, event access grants, and development assistance.
- Buy a Coffee: A symbolic micro-donation initiative that collectively creates meaningful impact.
- Donate goods or services: Contribute premium services, mentoring, education, travel, or experiences for fundraising auctions.
- Strategic or corporate support: Align your organisation with professional standards, capability-building, and long-term industry investment.
Where funds are directed
- Scholarships for emerging and developing speakers
- Attendance grants for professional development events
- Certification pathway assistance
- Capability-building initiatives across the profession
- Foundation compliance and governance costs
The focus remains clear: strengthen professional capability and expand access.
Support the Foundation today
Every contribution helps create access, build capability, and strengthen the future of professional speaking.
Clear answers for donors, partners, and future applicants
What is the PSA Foundation?
The PSA Foundation is an independent entity established to raise funds that support professional development, access, and capability within the speaking profession. Its purpose is to strengthen the long-term sustainability and excellence of the industry.
How is the Foundation different from Professional Speakers Australia?
Professional Speakers Australia focuses on member services, education, and industry representation. The PSA Foundation focuses specifically on fundraising and redistributing financial support to expand opportunity within the profession.
Who can apply for support?
Eligibility criteria will align with Foundation objectives and may include emerging speakers, members facing financial barriers, or individuals demonstrating commitment to professional development. Formal application processes can be published as programs are launched.
How are recipients selected?
Applications can be assessed against clear criteria including professional commitment, alignment with Foundation objectives, financial need where applicable, and potential contribution to the profession. Governance oversight supports fairness and transparency.
Can organisations that are not PSA members donate?
Yes. The Foundation welcomes support from individuals and organisations that share the goal of strengthening professional standards and expanding opportunity within the industry.
Can commercial training providers donate auction items?
Yes. The Foundation’s fundraising model welcomes donated goods and services that generate value for the profession. Participation demonstrates leadership and confidence in the strength of the broader industry ecosystem.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Tax deductibility depends on the Foundation’s current legal and regulatory status. Please refer to official guidance or contact the Foundation directly for clarification.
How is conflict of interest managed?
The Foundation operates under formal governance protocols. Board members declare and manage potential conflicts in accordance with constitutional and regulatory requirements to ensure integrity in decision-making.
How can I get involved beyond donating?
You can donate goods or services, become a strategic supporter, contribute expertise, or advocate for the Foundation within your networks. The future of the profession is built collectively.
Board of Directors
Rael Bricker CSP
Chair
Lindsay Adams OAM CSP
Director
Denise Quinn CSP
Director
Sara Merkel
Company Secretary
Alan Cameron-Sweeney
Treasurer