Peer Mentoring Program

Peer Mentoring Program

Participation in the Peer Mentoring Program is an AFP Chicago membership benefit. It is one of the most important programs AFP Chicago offers. If you're not yet a member of AFP Chicago, please note that several types of memberships include reduced fees for young professionals and the Nonprofit Organizational Membership (Small). Please visit the AFP Global website to review membership options. You must be a current member in good standing of AFP Chicago by February 23, 2024 to be considered eligible for the Spring 2024 class. Membership status will be confirmed by AFP staff in our member roster.

This premier program is offered twice a year where seasoned fundraisers who have a minimum of 5 years of development experience are paired with someone with less than 5 years of development experience. Once applications are received, AFP Chicago’s Peer Mentoring Committee carefully matches mentors and protégés based on interests, skills, and location to help participants maximize their experience in the 12-month program.

While we will continue to prioritize protégé applicants who are early in their development careers, the Peer Mentoring Program will also consider a limited number of protégé applicants who are more advanced (i.e., exceeding the five-year threshold of development experience), depending on cohort capacity and mentor availability. This opportunity might be well suited for experienced fundraisers who are navigating new management or leadership experiences, and/or seeking guidance on senior-level career paths.

Applications for the Spring 2024 Class are closed. Please check back in the Fall.


Timeline:

  • February 23, 2024: deadline for applications
  • Early March 2024: the Peer Mentoring Committee will match eligible proteges and mentors. Shortly thereafter, a Committee member will contact each protege and mentor with their assignment and schedule a brief introductory conversation.
  • Friday, April 5, 2024, 9:00 -10:00 a.m.: virtual kick-off for the Spring 2024 Class.


WHY SHOULD YOU PARTICIPATE?

Participation in AFP Chicago’s Peer Mentoring Program offers you a chance to:

  • Establish a lifelong professional relationship with a protégé or mentor;
  • Network with other development professionals;
  • Strengthen Chicagoland's philanthropic community;
  • Learn new skills and develop existing skills;
  • Help foster the development and growth of fundraising professionals;
  • Access intangible program benefits valued at $8,000 by a local consulting firm.

WHAT ARE OTHERS SAYING ABOUT THE PROGRAM?  Click Here

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Each spring and fall, we launch a new class of mentors and protégés. All participants must be current members of AFP Chicago. Protégés must have at least one year of professional development experience; mentors must have five or more years of experience. Click here for a full list of qualifications. 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

If you have any questions about submitting your application, please send an email to Shawn Jezak, [email protected].

For more information about this program, please contact:

 

Thank you to our Peer Mentoring Sponsors:

Campbell & Company

Women in Development Professions