Chicago Fellows Program

A learning circle for new fundraisers.

Welcome 2018 Class of AFP Chicago Fellows! 

2018 Class pictured with Fellows Vice Chair Marian Alexander DeBerry and Chair Jackie Bonavia, CFRE

Docia Buffington - Enlace Chicago
Erica Eckhardt - Public Allies Chicago
Ishan Johnson - Chicago History Museum
Mauricio A. Roman Marquina - Little City Foundation
Lauren Mislove - Cara Chicago
Lubna Saleh - Lions Club International Foundation
Jessica Young - City Year Chicago

Meet the 2017 Class of Fellows

Click here to learn more about our most recent class of graduates!

Chicago Fellows Alumni News

2017 Alumni News will be updated on February 1! 

Interested in becoming a Fellow?

Our Fellows program has made an impact in Chicago and across the country—as other AFP chapters have replicated our successful program for their cities.

Program Benefits

• Learning circle of up to six fundraisers from Chicago-area nonprofit and grassroots organizations serving diverse communities
• Coaching from an AFP thought-leader who moderates the learning circle which meets monthly for 12 months
• Underwriting by AFP Chicago for professional membership and career education programs:
• AFP International and AFP Chicago Chapter memberships for one year,
• at Select AFP Chicago educational luncheon programs on a variety of philanthropic topics
• The Midwest Conference on Philanthropy, a full-day learning event held in the Chicago-area
• Senior development professional assigned as a mentor upon graduation from the program

Program Eligibility
AFP Chicago maintains a competitive application process for the Fellows Program, and selects candidates using the following criteria:

• Identify themselves as an ethnic minority, GLBT, disabled and/or work for an organization that represents that community.
• Be responsible for fundraising in a metropolitan Chicago area 501 (c)(3) organization.
• Have the full support of their supervisor and their organization’s leadership to participate in this educational program.
• Be committed to attending the programs and events comprising the Fellows’ curriculum.
• Either not currently be a member of AFP or currently be a member for not more than two years.
• Continue paid membership in AFP for at least one year after the conclusion of the Fellows Program.

Application Process & Selection Timeline
Applicants complete a four-page application form, and include their current job descriptions and resumes. Applications will become available in the fall of 2018. 

Your gift will help support the AFP Chicago Fellows Program!

AFP Chicago Fellows receive complimentary programming throughout their Fellowship year.  Your generous gift will help underwrite the cost of programming and scholarships and strengthen the pipeline for future classes. 

To make a pledge or a gift via check, please click here.

To make a gift online, please click here.

On behalf of past and future Fellows, thank you for your generosity!