2026 AFP Chicago Fellows Program Application

DEADLINE extended to November 30, 2025

PURPOSE
AFP Chicago’s objective is to offer our educational resources and the collective professional expertise of our diverse membership – in accessible and user-friendly formats – to assist individuals in building communities through philanthropy as well as building professional fundraising skills.

The Fellows Program is an outreach initiative of AFP Chicago created to build awareness of educational and professional resources. Individuals who have been in the profession for five years or less, including those who have recently transitioned to fundraising from other professions, are encouraged to take advantage of the program's offerings. The Fellows Program strives to identify those participants who might not have access to such opportunities or resources outside the program.

This program reflects AFP Chicago’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA), and is offered to the public with a preference for individuals working for nonprofit organizations in metropolitan Chicago who identify as people of color, LGBTQ+, and/or as having a disability.

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION

Complimentary 2026 AFP Global and AFP Chicago Chapter memberships (value up to $405);
Complimentary registration to 2026 AFP Chicago educational programs on a variety of topics; (value of $375)
Dedicated Q&A with educational program faculty;
Special sessions developed specifically for Fellows;
Complimentary registration to all 2026 AFP Chicago networking events (value up to $100);
Senior development professional assigned as a mentor;
Complimentary registration to two Annual meetings of the membership (value up to $250).

EXPECTATIONS OF PARTICIPATION

Commit to attending monthly programs and events (1.5 - 2 hours each) comprising the Fellows curriculum;
Pay $100 non-refundable enrollment fee due by December 1, 2025;
Participate in Peer Mentoring 1-year program upon graduating from Fellows;
Renew membership for 2027.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Have a fundraising role for a Metropolitan Chicago non-profit organization;
Have the full support of supervisor and organization’s leadership to participate in this educational program;
Be a member of AFP for not more than 2 years (or not currently a member);
Identify as a person of color/LGBTQ+/disabled or work for an organization serving an underrepresented community.

Note that AFP Chicago will select the best candidates with the most need for Fellows Program resources.

To apply, candidates should submit the application by Sunday, November 30, 2025.

The Fellows Program will begin with an orientation in January 2026. A detailed calendar will be provided, and regular attendance is expected.

Please complete the application below and submit a resume or current bio with this form.

Applicant's Information

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* 1. Applicant first name:

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* 2. Applicant last name:

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* 3. Preferred Pronouns:

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* 4. Organization:

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* 5. Organization street address:

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* 6. Organization city/state/zip:

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* 7. Office phone:

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* 8. Cell phone:

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* 9. Work email:

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* 10. How long have you been in your current organization?

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* 11. How long have you been in fundraising?

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* 12. Please provide a brief statement about the nature of your fundraising responsibilities including tasks you routinely perform and the amount of time you spend on development activities:

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* 13. Please briefly state your professional career goals and aspirations and how you expect participation in the Fellows Program will contribute to your professional development.

Candidate’s Demographic Information

AFP Chicago is an equal opportunity organization that seeks to reflect the rich diversity of Chicago and its community of development and advancement professionals. The following information helps the AFP Chicago Chapter leadership to ensure to the greatest extent possible equity, inclusion, and diversity among its volunteer leadership. The information you provide below is optional and confidential.

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* 14. Year of birth

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* 15. How do you describe your racial/ethnic identity? (select all that apply)

African American/Black

Asian

Caucasian/White

Hispanic/Latinx

Middle Eastern

Native American or Alaska Native

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

South Asian American

I prefer to self-describe:

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* 16. What is your gender expression?

Female

Male

Non-Binary

I prefer to self-describe:

I prefer not to specify

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* 17. What is your sexual orientation?

Heterosexual

LGBTQ+

I prefer to self-describe:

I prefer not to specify

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* 18. Do you identify as a person with a disability?

Yes

I prefer to self-describe:

I prefer not to specify

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* 19. If you answered yes to identifying as having a disability, please list any accommodations that you may request from the chapter. If you do not require any accommodations, please write N/A.

Organization's Information

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* 20. What year was your organization founded?

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* 21. What was your organizational budget in 2026?

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* 22. How much did your organization raise in 2025?

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* 23. How much of this is government grants?

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* 24. Applicant should attach a PDF of a resume that includes applicant’s first and last name.

FELLOWS STATEMENT OF SUPPORT 2026
Next Step: Please share this link with your supervisor to complete your 2026 Fellows Application. Fellows Statement of Support 2026

If you have any questions about this application, please reach out to Fellows Co-Chairs, Amy Funk and Jessica Rodriguez
DEADLINE! Please complete this form no later than November 1, 2025.