Benefits of Having a Mentor – Perspectives from Protégés

Noelle Moore
Vice President of Strategy and Implementation, The HAP Foundation
Member and Mentor, Peer Mentoring Committee

I feel so fortunate to have been a part of this program and especially appreciate being matched with my mentor, Barbara! Her support helped me highlight my previous professional experience to move into a full-time fundraising role.
Ruth Arway, MA, Protégé, Peer Mentoring Fall 2021 Cohort
Program Manager (Grants), Planning and Development at Access Community Health Network

Ruth and Barbara’s peer mentoring relationship began with Ruth’s application to AFP Chicago’s Peer Mentoring Program in 2021. Applications to this premier program are open now to match seasoned fundraisers who have a minimum of 5 years of development experience with a newer professional - someone with less than 5 years of fundraising experience. Over the year that followed, Barbara became a trusted resource and friend to Ruth.

Ruth Arway, MA

Diana Medina

 (She) was always willing to take time from her busy schedule to help me in my professional development. Barbara is always informative, authentic, and encouraging - dedicated to helping me grow and advance in my career.
Ruth

Ruth’s experience of finding support and encouragement from her mentor is the norm in the Peer Mentoring Program. The Committee strives to recruit protégés who are eager for career development and mentors who are committed to building a trusted community of skilled fundraisers in the greater Chicago philanthropic community.

My mentor genuinely cares about how I am doing, my goals, and how she can help me move forward and achieve my goals. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, (Bethany) understands my unique needs. I have become more comfortable talking about what I do. It used to be hard to explain, but it has gotten easier now that I see how my mentor discusses her fundraising work.
Diana Medina, Protégé, Peer Mentoring Spring 2023 Cohort
Development Associate at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School

The one-year commitment to Peer Mentoring goes beyond one-on-one conversations with special small-group, discussion-based education sessions and “Office Hours” with a seasoned fundraising professional from the committee that are offered exclusively to Peer Mentoring participants.

The quarterly educational sessions, monthly meetings with my mentor, and other AFP programs and networking opportunities were so valuable for expanding my knowledge, as well as my professional network.
Ruth

All of this comes at no additional cost! Participation in the Peer Mentoring Program is a benefit of your AFP Chicago membership.

(Newer fundraisers) should consider applying for this program because the mentor they are paired with provides a safe and non-judgmental environment where they can freely share their thoughts and ideas.
Diana

Applications for the Fall 2023 Cohort of the Peer Mentoring Program are NOW OPEN, and space is limited. Apply soon, but no later than Friday, September 22, 2023, to be considered for a spot as a protégé or mentor. We look forward to meeting you.

Thank You to our Sponsors