2020 Emerging Leaders International Fellows Program

Published by Bojana

Deadline: 20 January 2020
Open to: community philanthropy practitioners and decision-makers from around the globe, including the U.S.
Benefits: fully funded

Description

The 2020 Emerging Leaders International Fellows Program will provide leadership training through seminars with Third-sector practitioners, research based on best practices, and the application of a comparative framework.

Fellows are based at The Graduate Center of The City University of New York (CUNY), where they will attend weekly seminars, explore work of key agencies and foundations, meet with nonprofit leaders and study U.S. and international community foundation models.  During the program, participants pursue an individualized research project and develop a professional presentation to disseminate their findings.

The program is geared to young professionals interested in strengthening community philanthropy and building capacity in local Third-sector institutions. Emerging leaders at community foundations and similar place-based grantmaking organizations are especially encouraged to apply. This year’s Fellows will be selected from abroad and from communities of color under-represented in the U.S. grant-making sector.  .

Generous program funding for the International Fellows Program is provided by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.  Additional support is provided by other foundations and institutions, as well as Friends of the Fellows and program alumni from around the globe.

Program description

  • Program dates:  Monday September 14 through Friday November 20, 2020.  Participants are expected to be present on site during the full 10-week program.
  • Program focus: community foundations and local place-based giving and grant-making practices globally. Additional trends and practices in philanthropy will be included to provide background and to address the research interests of all participating Fellows.
  • Program format:  Drawing on seminars, readings, discussions with leaders in the field, and the Fellows’ own experiences, each participant will produce a strategy paper and a professional e-presentation (PowerPoint similar).  with recommendations for the development, adaptation or expansion of community grant-making or another approved topic. It is expected that these recommendations will consider the variety of experiences around the globe, and will reflect the particular political, social, economic and legal frameworks in the Fellows’ home countries.

Eligibility

Community philanthropy practitioners and decision-makers from around the globe, including the U.S.

Qualifications

  • Strong institutional base at a community foundation, place-based grant-maker or community philanthropy support organization; affiliation with other philanthropy sector institutions is also acceptable
  • Ability to implement research recommendations
  • Strong ability to read, write, conduct research and converse in English at a post-graduate-level
  • College or university degree

Benefits

Awards cover

  • tuition
  • single-room dormitory accommodations with shared facilities at International House adjacent to Columbia University
  • meal allowance
  • medical insurance
  • local travel by subway/bus
  • program materials
  • other selected program-related costs (e.g. group meetings or events).

How to apply?

In addition to completion of the online form below (please scroll down further), applicants are expected to upload the following as part of their application:

  • Resume or curriculum vitae;
  • Proposal (3-5 pages) for a strategy paper on an issue related to community foundations or community grant-making, including a plan for sharing and applying findings and recommendations. The proposal should provide a comparative framework and must be feasible to undertake and complete within the duration of the program;
  • Personal statement explaining what you seek to accomplish during the program and how participation in the program would enhance your work in philanthropy or strengthen civil society locally. 

Application dossiers must include two letters of reference. Applicants should provide their referees with the link to the online recommendation form. At least one of the two letters should be from individuals who know the applicant in a professional (rather than an academic) capacity.

For more information please visit the official website link.