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2027 AFP Chicago Fellows Program Application

DEADLINE: Friday, November 20, 2026
Before you begin:
Your supervisor must complete a short Statement of Support by Monday, November 23, 2026. Please send them this link now so they have time to complete it: Fellows Statement of Support 2027

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 designed specifically for individuals who have been working in the fundraising profession for fewer than five years. This includes individuals who are new to the workforce as well as those who have recently transitioned into fundraising from another profession.

To be eligible for the Fellows Program, applicants must have fewer than five years of professional fundraising experience at the time of application.

The program seeks to increase access to educational, professional development, and networking opportunities for early-career fundraisers who might not otherwise have access to these resources.

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 2027 AFP Global and AFP Chicago Chapter memberships (value up to $405)
  • Complimentary registration to 2027 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 2027 AFP Chicago networking events (value up to $100)
  • A senior development professional assigned as a mentor
  • Complimentary registration to two AFP Chicago Annual Meetings: December 2026, where the new class is announced, and
  • December 2027, to close out the program year (value up to $250)

EXPECTATIONS OF PARTICIPATION
  • Attend the January 2027 orientation and the monthly programs and events (1.5 - 2 hours each) that make up the Fellows curriculum
  • Your organization pays a $100 non-refundable enrollment fee due by December 2, 2026
  • Participate in a one-year Peer Mentoring program after graduating from Fellows
  • Renew membership for 2028, with dues paid by your organization

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
  • Have a fundraising role at a Metropolitan Chicago nonprofit organization and less than 5 years experience in the field.
  • Have the full support of your supervisor and your organization’s leadership to participate
  • Have been an AFP member for no more than 2 years, or not currently be a member
  • Identify as a person of color, LGBTQ+, and/or as having a disability, or work for an organization serving an underrepresented community.
  • AFP Chicago will select the applicants with the greatest need for Fellows Program resources. Applicants will be notified of selection decisions on November 30, 2026.

The Fellows Program begins with an orientation in January 2027. A detailed calendar will be provided, and regular attendance is expected.

Please complete the
Please complete the application below and submit a resume or current bio with this form.
Applicant's Information
1.Applicant first name:(Required.)
2.Applicant last name:(Required.)
3.Preferred Pronouns:
4.Organization:(Required.)
5.Organization street address:
6.Organization city/state/zip:
7.Phone number (office or cell):(Required.)
8.Alternate phone number:
9.Work email:(Required.)
10.How long have you been at your current organization?
11.How long have you worked in fundraising?
12.What is your current AFP membership status?
13.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:
14.Please briefly state your professional career goals and how you expect participation in the Fellows Program to contribute to your professional development.
15.Do you require any accommodations to participate in Fellows programs (for example, accessibility, dietary, etc)? If not, please write N/A.
Applicant 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 Fellows Program selection committee ensure equity, inclusion, and diversity among each cohort. The information you provide below is optional and confidential.
16.Year of birth
17.How do you describe your racial/ethnic identity? (select all that apply)(Required.)
18.What is your gender expression?(Required.)
19.What is your sexual orientation?(Required.)
20.Do you identify as a person with a disability?(Required.)
Organization Information
21.What year was your organization founded?
22.What is your organization’s budget for the current fiscal year?
23.How much did your organization raise in its most recent completed fiscal year?
24.How much of that amount came from government grants?
25.Does your organization primarily serve an underrepresented community?
26.Please attach your resume or current bio as a PDF. Include your first and last name in the file name.(Required.)
No file chosen
Final Step: Statement of Support

If you haven’t already, share this link with your supervisor: Fellows Statement of Support 2027. Your application is not complete until your supervisor submits the Statement of Support by Monday, November 23, 2026.

Questions about this application? Contact Fellows Co-Chairs Amy Funk (afunk@twbfundraising.com) and Jessica Rodriguez (jerodriguez@eriehouse.org).

Please submit your application by Friday, November 20, 2026.