2021 Emerging Leader Mentoring & Leadership Development Program

Apply Here: Mentor Application | Mentee Application
Applications Due – January 15, 2021
Cohort will be announced by February 28, 2021

Young professionals want to step up and take leadership roles and greater ownership of their work. From AFP’s new 2020 Compensation and Benefits Report, two-thirds of young professionals and emerging leaders want to improve their leadership and team management skills.  But 63% feel unprepared for their job, and just 30% have a mentor. 

Based on the data, mentors:

• support self-confidence; 
• increase problem-solving skills;
• encourage networking and connecting with colleagues; 
• provide active coaching, guiding mentees in how to more effective perform aspect(s) of the job; and
• challenge mentees to learn more and be more active in their organizations. 

To address these issues, AFP is launching the Emerging Leader Mentor Program to strengthen the skills of young professionals and grow and sustain the fundraising profession. Attracting and developing highly talented emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds allows the profession to benefit and grow from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives.

The Emerging Leader Mentor Program includes:

• Cohort-based 1:1 mentor program with specific fundraising and leadership education;
• Curated education for both the mentors and the mentees depending on their specific needs and interests;
• CFRE initial certification application fee waiver; and 
• Executive coach session for mentees.

Click on the application links above to see the criteria and questions, and we look forward to seeing your application soon. Remember: Applications for both mentors and mentees are due Jan. 15.​