Masterclasses: What’s coming up?

Our ImpactLab Masterclasses give purpose-led teams the chance to dive deeper into the strategy and storytelling behind impact. 

These small-group sessions are designed to be practical, hands-on, and tailored to your organisation’s needs — whether you’re just starting out or levelling up. ImpactLab Masterclasses are 3 – 4 hours with capped numbers. 

Scroll down to find out more and keep an eye on this page for future dates and announcements. 

ImpactLab Masterclass: Telling participant stories

What if your most powerful impact evidence wasn’t a number?

Event details
Date: Thursday 22 October 2026 
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm AEDT
Location: Virtual
Available Places: 12 people
Presented by:
Paula Cowan, Managing Director, ImpactInstitute

Many organisations are collecting data, measuring outcomes and reporting results. But when it comes to influencing stakeholders, securing support or bringing impact to life, data alone is rarely enough.

The stories of participants, clients, service users and community members have the power to create understanding, build trust and help others connect with the difference your work makes.

If you are marketing or impact professional, don’t miss this opportunity think differently about the challenges you’re trying to solve and turn insight into action.

The Masterclass will explore:

• How to understand your challenge within the context of a wider system
• Where the greatest opportunities for influence exist
• How to create a clear pathway from vision to action
• What evidence matters most when measuring progress and impact
• How to tell a compelling story that brings others with you
• Practical tools in impact measurement and storytelling

Follow the link below for more information and to register.

ImpactLab Masterclass: Impact-led strategic planning

How can you build a strategy that starts with purpose and leads to meaningful impact?

Event details
Date: Thursday 12 November 2026 
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm AEDT
Location: Virtual
Available Places: 12 people
Presented by:
Royden Howie, Head of Advisory, ImpactInstitute

This practical masterclass will help you design a strategic planning process that starts with the change your organisation exists to create, rather than simply beginning with organisational goals, activities or constraints. 

You’ll examine practical tools and emerging approaches that can support each stage of planning, including environmental scanning, future thinking, stakeholder consultation, prioritisation and the responsible use of AI to strengthen research and decision-making.

The Masterclass will explore:

• What distinguishes impact-led strategic planning from traditional strategic planning 
• How to place purpose, intended impact and stakeholder voice at the centre of strategic decisions 
• The key stages of an impact-led strategic planning process 
• Practical approaches to stakeholder engagement, consultation and sense-making 
• How to use environmental scanning and future thinking to identify risks, opportunities and trends 
• Ways to connect impact frameworks, Theory of Change and strategic priorities 
• How to make realistic choices based on organisational capacity, resources and maturity 
• Techniques for translating strategic themes into goals, actions and shorter planning cycles 
• How emerging AI tools can support research, participation and strategic decision-making

ImpactLab Masterclass: Pitch perfect – turning impact into influence

What if you had just 60 seconds to convince a funder your work is worth investing in?

Event details
Date: Thursday 3 December 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm AEDT
Location: Online
Available Places: 15 people
Presented By: Paula Cowan, Managing Director, ImpactInstitute

Many organisations are creating meaningful change, but struggle to communicate that impact in a way that’s clear, concise and compelling.

Whether you’re speaking to a grant maker, philanthropist, corporate partner or potential supporter, first impressions matter. Yet too often, organisations dive straight into programs, activities and outputs without clearly explaining the problem they’re solving, the change they’re creating, and why someone should invest in their mission.

If you’ve ever found yourself talking in circles, struggling to explain your impact, or leaving a funding conversation wishing you’d said things differently, this workshop is for you.

The Masterclass will explore:

• What makes an effective elevator pitch
• How to clearly communicate your organisation’s purpose and impact
• How to connect need, impact and opportunity into a compelling narrative
• How to communicate complex work in simple, accessible language
• How to use stories, evidence and outcomes to build credibility
• How to tailor your pitch for different funders and stakeholders
• How to confidently deliver your pitch in high-stakes conversations
• Common mistakes organisations make when talking about their impact