AmPhil and the Center for Civil Society are pleased to begin accepting applications for the 2024 AmPhil Fundraising Fellowship. The AmPhil Fundraising Fellowship is a nine-month leadership program for early to mid-career fundraising professionals and nonprofit executives looking to grow professionally and intellectually alongside a small group of peers. Fellows will learn the history of philanthropy in American civil society, explore contemporary issues related to fundraising, and complete a personal project enabling them to bring value to their nonprofit organization. Members of the cohort will meet virtually monthly to discuss readings, workshop ideas, and discuss the vocation of fundraising. Additionally, fellows will have special access to AmPhil’s existing online educational opportunities, such as master classes, and be invited to our annual Givers, Doers, & Thinkers Conference.
As an AmPhil Fundraising Fellow, you can expect to enjoy the following:
- A monthly virtual meet up with your cohort to discuss selected readings related to philanthropy and civil society.
- Access to AmPhil and Center for Civil Society online events, including unlimited access to our premium In the Trenches master class series.
- An assigned mentor from the AmPhil consulting staff. In monthly virtual meetings, this expert will guide you as you work on a report that your nonprofit organization can use to improve its fundraising operations.
- An invitation to publish in our online news and opinion journal, Philanthropy Daily.
- A ticket to our in-person Givers, Doers, & Thinkers Conference, taking place in October of 2024. This conference brings together philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, and thought leaders.
- A special one-day retreat with your cohort of fellows the day before the Givers, Doers, & Thinkers Conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you define “early-to-mid-career” for the purpose of this fellowship?
We view “early-to-mid-career” as capturing most professional fundraisers. Whether you just started your fundraising career or are a director with ten years of experience, we believe this fellowship will serve you well. If you are a chief development officer and more established, we are working on something for you!
What is the anticipated workload for fellows?
Fellows should expect to spend at least a few hours each week doing things such as reading assigned materials, working on their report, meeting with their mentor, and attending the reading group discussion.
Is there a cost to participate?
Yes, as AmPhil is investing significant resources to develop and execute this fellowship program. Fellows receive books, annual access to our master classes (a $1,500 value), a ticket to the Givers, Doers, & Thinkers Conference (a $250 value), and receive one-on-one mentorship from an expert consultant. We ask each fellow to pay dues of $5,000, paid by the fellow, their nonprofit organization, or a cost share of both. Fellows are also expected to pay for their travel and lodging when attending the Givers, Doers, & Thinkers Conference. In rare circumstances, we will offer partial scholarships to applicants if there is a demonstrated need.
How do I apply to be a fellow?
We ask that applicants submit the following:
- A résumé/CV;
- An essay, under 1,000 words in length, explaining why the fellowship appeals to you and how your participation will help your nonprofit improve its fundraising operations; and
- A letter of recommendation from your current supervisor.
What is the deadline to apply?
We have a priority deadline of January 19th and a final deadline of February 15th.
What is the timeline of the fellowship?
The 2024 class will begin the fellowship in April of 2024 and conclude in December.
I still have questions. Whom can I talk to?
The fellowship program is managed by Jonathan Hannah, Director of AmPhil’s Center for Civil Society. You can contact him at jhannah@amphil.com
About the Center for Civil Society
The Center for Civil Society (C4CS) strengthens America’s voluntary associations by improving the effectiveness of donors, charitable foundations, and nonprofit organizations. The center fulfills its mission through education, providing research, publications, webinars, master classes, and in-person events. These resources offer practical advice, ideas, training, and tools that help civil society leaders achieve their missions.
A project of AmPhil, LLC, our belief is that if America’s voluntary organizations can more fully realize their visions, American civil society and American democracy will become healthier—and American individuals and communities will more fully flourish.