AFP/Alford Group Women’s Impact Initiative (WII) Mentor Program

Sponsored By:

The Women’s Impact Initiative (WII) was launched in 2018 to assess, address and highlight the specific issues and challenges that women in the fundraising profession face and to continuously create and market resources that help overcome gender inequity issues in the profession.

WII is committed to equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Our goal is to attract and develop exceptionally talented women from diverse backgrounds, allowing program participants to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives.

Contact afpidea@afpglobal.org with any questions.

WII Mentor Application: https://form.jotform.com/252395866027163

WII Mentee Application: https://form.jotform.com/252386535453159

Program Dates and Deadlines:

• September 8, 2025: Application Process Opens
• October 31, 2025: Applications Due
• December 2025: 2026 Cohort Announced
• February/March 2026: Orientation Session
• March 2026: Program Starts
• October 2026: Program Concludes

Program Highlights:

Mentoring is a learning partnership, a journey of collective discovery that supports personal and professional development strategy.

• A virtual and measurable 8-month structured mentoring program
• Mentors who are fundraising superstars that are committed to a mentee’s growth and development.
• Skills-based trainings and cohort experience curated specifically for both the mentor and mentee.

Mentee Criteria:

Our mentorship program connects women fundraisers with inspirational mentors to help grow, evolve and further their education to develop leadership skills and create an inclusive and equitable future of our profession. The requirements are as follows:

• I am able to commit to the full 8-month relationship.
• I am or will be an AFP member in good standing.
• I agree to attend the Virtual Kick-Off in February/March 2026 (date to be determined).
• I will participate in at least 8 meetings with my mentor during the 8-month program.
• l will complete at least one of the following: create a micro-learning for afpglobal.org, draft an article for AFP Daily newsletter, or write a blog post.
• I commit to attending ICON 2026 (April 26-28 in San Diego, California) and LEAD 2026 (TBD) if accessible. Registration fees will be covered through the Alford Group or Blackbaud Sponsorship.
• I agree to fully participate in the program’s meetings and webinars to the best of my ability, which includes having my camera on during group meetings, whenever possible.

Mentor Criteria:

We are looking for committed and passionate fundraising professionals who are willing to unconditionally support the development of new fundraisers who are aspiring to be leaders. Our mentors meet the following criteria to participate in the program.

• I am able to commit to a full 8-month relationship.
• I am an AFP member in good standing.
• I agree to attend the virtual program kick-off in February/March 2026 (date to be confirmed).
• I will participate in at least 8 meetings with my mentee during the 8-month program.
• I will complete all sessions or program evaluations as requested.
• I will commit to attending ICON 2026 (April 26-28 in San Diego, California) and LEAD 2026 (TBD) if accessible to me. Registration fees will be covered through the Alford Group or Blackbaud Sponsorships.
• I have access to a diverse network and I am willing to make connections for a mentee as needed.
• I have a sincere desire to build a constructive and positive relationship with a mentee.
• I am able to draw examples from my own experience as a leader.
• I agree to fully participate in the program’s meetings and webinars to the best of my ability, which includes having my camera on during group meetings, whenever possible.

Each mentorship pairing will complete at least one of the following: create a micro-learning for afpglobal.org, draft an article for AFP Daily newsletter, or write a blog post.