Trista and I are both alums from the Association of Black Foundation Executives' Connecting Leaders Fellowship program. The program provided not only the opportunity for us to meet and create the dynamic blogging duo, but also valuable mentorship and coaching experiences. Plus a network (read: support group) of other fellows who we can call upon whenever we need them. Other foundations offering fellowships include the San Francisco Foundation and the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.
But what if a young leader of a foundation wants to start a fellowship at his or her organization? The North Carolina Network of Grantmakers has released a guide to assist foundations interested in creating fellowships. The guide, Cultivating Young Philanthropic Leaders: How to Establish a Fellowship Program, provides tips and FAQs towards starting a fellowship program. The guide targets foundations in North Carolina but I read through it and I think it's appropriate for foundations located anywhere since the advice is universal.
This, along with EPIP's 2005 report Fellowships in Philanthropy, are potential tools on cultivating the next round of philanthropy leaders. They're the only publications I am aware of but if the New Voices audience knows of others then please post them in the comments section.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!