NCFP 2025 Fellows Program—Applications Now Open

Applications are now open for the 2025 Fellows Program. Read about the full details on the program below including the eligibility criteria, selection process, and timeline. Use the button below to apply.

Apply Here

About the Fellows Program

The National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP) Fellows Program is designed to accelerate the learning and development of family philanthropy leaders, and to add diverse voices and perspectives to the pursuit of effective philanthropic practices. The program serves as a mechanism to harness the talents of both the fellows and NCFP to further knowledge creation and promote thought leadership. With the work of its fellows, NCFP is better able to support philanthropic families to reach their full potential.

Goals of the Fellows Program

  1.  Advance the Field: Empower diverse sector leaders to reflect on the purpose and possibilities of family philanthropy, deepen their expertise, and advance the field.
  2.  Promote Learning: Foster the learning, development, and community of sector leaders to effectively strengthen the practice of family philanthropy.
  3.  Recognize Leaders: Acknowledge respected, bold practitioners in family philanthropy to elevate effective practices and encourage an open exchange of ideas and information.

Eligibility

Fellows will be mid-career family philanthropy practitioners with notable accomplishments, who have been identified as leaders in the field, have established skills and expertise, and are advocates of effective family philanthropy practices. The Fellows class will include both family and non-family practitioners who will represent the diversity in the field and bring different experiences and perspectives to the program. The Fellows must be committed to the evolving future of the sector and NCFP’s role as a resource for philanthropic families. In addition, they must be committed to their own ongoing learning and growth.

Expectations of Fellows: Exploring Effective Family Philanthropy

  • The Fellows will commit to exploring a common objective—the practices and application of effective family philanthropy—but will have individual approaches, activities, and agreed-upon deliverables.
  • Within the first quarter of their fellowship, fellows will design and submit a general work plan for their fellowship that includes a combination of research, thought leadership, and knowledge sharing about their specific focus.
  • A scope of work and individual goals will be established by each fellow, in partnership with NCFP leadership.
  • Fellows will work independently on their established focus area, but there will be opportunities for mutual support, networking, and connecting with current and alumni fellows. While there is potential for collaboration, it is not a requirement of the fellowship.
  • Fellows will be ambassadors for NCFP in its goals to improve the field’s effectiveness and to make connections with our current community, as well as reaching audiences and networks not yet connected with NCFP.
  • Fellows are required to attend and engage in the 2025 Leadership Retreat (October 27–29, 2025) and the 2026 National Forum on Family Philanthropy (November 4–6, 2026).
  • Fellows are required to attend an in-person fellow’s retreat in both 2025 and 2026, currently planned to be conducted in conjunction with the 2025 Leadership Retreat and the 2026 National Forum.

Term

  • A meaningful commitment (approx. 8 to 10 hours per month) across two years (July 2025 through June 2027) is required.
  • NCFP is committed to equity and ensuring that finances are not a barrier to participation in the Fellows Program. Therefore, NCFP is directing resources to the program to be able to offer a stipend to fellows on a limited basis. If the institution you are affiliated with will not cover the costs associated with your participation in the Fellows Program, limited funds are available. If a stipend is requested, an explanation of what it will be used for must be included in the application.
  • If you have questions about the fellowship stipend, please contact Daria Teutonico, Director, Programs.

Application Timeline

Applications are open from August 15 through November 1, 2024. Candidates will be notified of their selection in March 2025.

Apply Here

Selection Criteria

  • Established, mid-career professional (family or non-family practitioner) who has already demonstrated broad leadership potential and made meaningful contributions to the field of family philanthropy, and whose leadership skills and talents would benefit from this type of personal and professional development program.
  • Has a demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and values the role of philanthropy-serving organizations, such as NCFP, in the philanthropic ecosystem.
  • Willingness to use their voice, talents, and knowledge to advance the field within the Fellows Program and broader NCFP community.
  • Is an advocate for effective philanthropic practices within a family philanthropy setting, and whose work has demonstrated personal growth and learning as a leader.

NCFP works to reflect and support the broad range of individuals in family philanthropy. To that end, NCFP is seeking a diverse class of Fellows: diversity in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and perspective.

How to Apply

You can apply to the program by clicking here.

Past Activities

Examples of past fellows’ activities:

  • Blog posts, interviews, and other written materials
  • Speaking engagements and content development for NCFP programs and conferences, including the National Forum on Family Philanthropy
  • Service on NCFP program and planning committees
  • Racial Justice Learning and Action Network development and oversight
  • Podcast series development and implementation

Distinguished Fellow

NCFP will appoint a Distinguished Fellow who will be a significant contributor to the family philanthropy field, with an inspirational and longstanding history of leadership. This Distinguished Fellow will also be a committed advocate for effective family philanthropy practices and be willing to use their voice, talents, and knowledge to advance the field. If you are interested in learning more about the Distinguished Fellow opportunity, please contact Daria Teutonico, Director, Programs.

Questions?

If you have questions about the Fellows Program please contact Daria Teutonico, Director, Programs.

Current Fellows

Dimple Abichandani

Board Member, Solidaire Network | NCFP Fellow (2022-2024)

Photo of Erin Borla

Erin Borla

Executive Director & Trustee, Roundhouse Foundation | NCFP Fellow (2022-2024)

CC Gardner Gleser

C’Ardiss “CC” Gardner Gleser

Board Member, Andrus Family Fund and Charlotte Martin Foundation | NCFP Fellow (2022-2024)

Dilnaz Waraich

President, WF Fund | NCFP Fellow (2022-2024)

David Weitnauer

President, R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation | NCFP Distinguished Fellow (2022-2024)

Past Fellows

Ginny Esposito

Virginia M. Esposito

Senior Fellow and Founding President

Alice Buhl

Alice Buhl

Senior Fellow (2004-2019)

Katherine Lorenz

President, The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation; NCFP Fellow (2015-2018)

Mary Mountcastle

Mary Mountcastle

Trustee, Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation | NCFP Distinguished Fellow (2018–2021)

Kelly Nowlin

Kelly D. Nowlin

Principal, KDN Philanthropy Consulting | NCFP Fellow (2018–2021)

Susan Packard Orr

Distinguished Fellow (2014–2018)

Doug Bitonti Stewart

Doug Bitonti Stewart

Executive Director, Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, NCFP Fellow (2015–2018)

June Wilson headshot

June L. Wilson

Executive Director, Compton Foundation | NCFP Fellow (2018–2021)