AFP Chicago Fellows Program
A learning circle for new fundraisers

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.

Contact Shawn Jezak or Fellows Co-Chairs, Amy Funk and Jessica Rodriguez for more information.

This program provides extensive benefits to our selected Fellows, including:

Benefits of Participation

Complimentary 2025 AFP Global and AFP Chicago Chapter membership (value up to $405);
Complimentary registration to 2025 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 2025 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, 2024;
Participate in Peer Mentoring 1-year program upon graduating from Fellows;
Renew membership for 2026.

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.

The Fellows Program will begin with an orientation in January 2025. A detailed calendar will be provided, and regular attendance is expected.