Real Deal Community Initiative

Our purpose

As a business school for the real world, we are committed to connecting with our communities and using our knowledge, expertise, and time to make a positive impact, especially for those in need. Our goal is to strengthen ongoing projects and empower purpose-driven organisations to undertake new initiatives they might not have the expertise, resources, or capacity for currently.

Through volunteering, our students and alumni develop their understanding of community leadership and ongoing commitment to pro social impact.

Our people

The Real Deal Community Initiative is operated by the Graduate School of Business, using the expertise from our esteemed Executive MBA and MBA students and alumni to make a difference for not-for-profit and for-purpose organisations. Our volunteering students and alumni work with partners to assist with existing projects or undertake new projects in addition to volunteering. We track our impact for the not-for-profit sector and partners.

By collaborating with us, organisations can leverage the expertise of MBA students, alumni and faculty to achieve their goals more effectively and efficiently.

Our partners

QUT’s Real Deal Community Initiative has established valuable partnerships and collaborations with a diverse array of not-for-profit and for-purpose organisations, including:

Become a partner

Volunteer with us

Why partner with us?

The Real Deal Community Initiative connects skilled executive students and alumni with not-for-profit and for-purpose organisations to tackle targeted initiatives.

Partnering with our pro bono centre allows organisations to benefit from our volunteers' high-level knowledge and expertise. By tapping into our diverse talent pool, partners gain access to specialised skills without incurring consultant fees or recruitment costs, enabling them to redirect funds towards their core mission.

Additionally, engaging with this initiative not only enhances project execution but also introduces your mission to new advocates and talent. This can potentially foster corporate partnerships and generate additional income streams for community projects.

Benefits of partnering

Partnering with QUT’s Real Deal Community Initiative brings numerous benefits to your not-for-profit and for-purpose organisation, including:

Fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to organisational challenges.
Utilisation of design thinking methodologies for tackling complex issues.
Enhanced market impact and influence on public policy.
Updated knowledge of evolving legal frameworks and compliance requirements.
Guidance on integrating AI and sustainability into operations.
Strengthened governance structures aligned with organisational purpose and strategy.
In-depth analyses to prepare for strategic planning sessions and informed decision-making
Support in crafting business cases and operational plans.

Participation requirements for organisations

For not-for-profit and for-purpose organisations to participate, they need to meet specific requirements:

Clearly define the initiative or project and the necessary skill set.
Specify the timeframe, available resources, data, and any requirements.
Appoint an Executive Sponsor to define the scope and deliverables and coordinate with volunteers at key project milestones.
Outline the desired outputs, outcomes, and impact expected from the project.
Attend a project completion presentation and provide feedback in the post-analysis report.

Why volunteer with us

The QUT Real Deal Community Initiative is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact, learn about the nonprofit sector, and connect with the communities it serves. If you’re a QUT Executive MBA or MBA student or alumni, volunteering for the Real Deal Community Pro Bono Centre offers many benefits, including hands-on experience, building strong connections in your field, and experiencing the satisfaction of contributing to the greater good.

Benefits of volunteering

Volunteering for the Real Deal Community Initiative offers several benefits, including:

Contributing to a not-for-profit or for-purpose organisation that makes a meaningful impact through community involvement.
Using your skills, education, and experience in a new environment to promote personal and professional growth.
Developing and demonstrating ethical and responsible leadership skills.
Gaining valuable real-life project experience.
Establishing connections with relevant not-for-profit organisations.

Volunteer opportunities

The Real Deal Community Initiative supports partner organisations through various volunteer opportunities tailored to match skills and interests:

General volunteering

General volunteering involves a flexible approach where organisations identify needs and time commitments. Volunteers register their interest with the Real Deal Community Initiative, and we match them with suitable roles.

Specialised volunteering

Specialised volunteering is a more focused and structured approach where organisations identify specific needs requiring particular skills, experience, and profiles for defined tasks within set timeframes. The Real Deal Community Initiative facilitates the matching of organisations with appropriate volunteers.

Work integrated learning projects

Work integrated learning projects occur when organisations identify specific project requirements that align with applicable QUT postgraduate units (such as GSZ572, GSN590, Marketing Strategically GSN/Z408, Strategic Management GSN/Z405, or others). Project details are communicated to enrolled students, and the QUT Graduate School of Business Real Deal Community Initiative assists in matching organisations with appropriate volunteers.

Samantha Clark, Julie McLellan from Healthy Land & Water, Shayne Herriott from Orange Sky, and Ben Forbes from Juiced TV with Professor Sarah Kelly.