Leading with equity

Emerging leaders Fellowship

Applications for 2025 are due November 1st, 2024!

INFO SESSIONS

If you have any questions about the Emerging Leaders Fellowship, Alternatives will be hosting virtual info sessions:

Alternatives’ Emerging Leaders Fellowship is a nonprofit leadership development program that trains future leaders for the next step in their nonprofit career through an antiracist lens.

Overview of Emerging Leaders Fellowship

Alternatives Emerging Leaders Fellowship program is designed to be a nonprofit leadership development program that trains future leaders for the next step in their nonprofit career through an Anti-Racism lens. This program aims to prepare the next generation of nonprofit leaders, particularly those of color, to have the skills needed to transition to executive and director level positions one day. Exposing fellows to the issues, projects, and conversations at the executive or director level provides them a safe space to make mistakes and be supported. We hope to develop and prepare future leaders to be decision-makers rooted in their values and in anti-racism.

2025 FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE NOVEMBER 1ST, 2024.

Apply Today

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Who should apply?

Alternatives Emerging Leaders Fellowship program is intended for folx in the Chicagoland area who:

Currently work in the nonprofit sector
Want to grow in your nonprofit career
Desire to eventually be a nonprofit director or in executive leadership.
Current executive directors or nonprofit leadership who want to incorporate an Anti-Racist framework into their organization.

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Trainings Overview

Through this fellowship, you will gain a deeper understanding of the following topics through an Anti-Racism lens:

Nonprofit Overview
Finance & Budgeting
Program Planning & Development
Development & Marketing
Recruitment & Hiring
Management & Supervision
Employee Accountability
Organizational Policies

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Fellowship Dates

Retreat Day 1 – Friday 2/7/25
Retreat Day 2 – Saturday 2/8/25
Friday 3/7/25
Friday 4/4/25
Friday 5/2/25
Friday 6/6/25
Friday 7/11/25
Friday 8/1/25
Friday 9/5/25
Friday 10/3/25

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COSTS FOR EMERGING LEADERS FELLOWSHIP

The Emerging Leaders Fellowship asks that both individuals and their organization contribute to the cost of the program. Individual and organization costs are outlined below:

Organizational: Organizational costs are based on organizational budget size, see below:

$15 mil+ – $8,000.00
$10-14 mil – $5,000.00
$5-9 mil – $3,000.00
$3-4 mil – $1,500.00
Up to $2 mil – $500.00

Individual contribution:

We ask participants to personally contribute $250.

Scholarships:

Organizational scholarships are available as needed.
Individual scholarships are available as needed. We ask that individuals at minimum contribute $100 towards this fellowship. Payment can be made in installments if needed.
Participants can apply for both organizational and individual scholarships.

Total participants in the last two cohorts

% POC participants

% Internal promotions

HOW TO APPLY

Application:

For those interested in applying for this year’s Emerging Leaders Fellowship cohort, please fill out the form below. Be prepared to upload your resume and a letter of recommendation from a nonprofit professional and/or from your employer.

Applications Due by November 1, 2024.

Apply Here

For any questions:

about the fellowship

this work can’t wait…

Why it is important

In the nonprofit sector, most nonprofit executives and leadership are white. Only 8% of nonprofit leaders are Black, and only 10% of Executive Directors are Latinx. There is a massive discrepancy in nonprofit leadership due to systemic and institutional racism. Often, when Black and Brown folx make it to Executive and Director leadership, they burn out quickly because so much of what they’re dealing with at that leadership level is new. Alternatives Emerging Leaders Fellowship aims to expose the inner workings of a nonprofit to people who don’t have access to it outside of specialized educational and employment programs. It is essential to open doors and bring people to the table with us, especially people of color; there is room for all of us in nonprofit leadership.

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TESTIMONIALS

“A lot of times people of color are not in spaces where we are allowed to learn without harsh consequences, so it’s really nice to be able to practice things that you’re expected to do in leadership without the consequence of getting it wrong. Instead we have the space to get feedback and actually learn.”

“I want to use the information I’ve learned to develop myself and become a better leader. I also want to pass down the information I’ve learned to new people who join my team.”

“I like the environment. We are able to get so much professional information, but it’s not an intimidating or intense environment.”

“I enjoyed the budgeting section because I’ve written a lot of grants, but I didn’t really understand what goes into how much we ask for and how we budget things out.”

“I’ve really learned about what goes into running an organization that I just didn’t have any idea about before.”

“It feels good to be in a space where we don’t always have to have the right answers and we can learn from the collective expertise in the room like Alternatives staff and other fellows”

“Being Black and Brown, we are not exposed to a lot of these skills and tools that are talked about in this program. So I want to apply these skills to my leadership to be able to utilize them and thrive with my team.”

“I really appreciated the equity focus because i've been trying to learn about ways to lead in a way that matches my values”

“The skills of management, supervision and program design will be integral in whatever I’m doing next. So I’m really happy to be able to learn and practice these skills in real life scenarios through this program.”

Sponsorship

Are you passionate about fostering racial equity in the nonprofit sector?

Do you believe in the power of emerging leaders to drive transformative change?

Join us in our mission to make a lasting impact on the future of leadership in the nonprofit world by becoming a Sponsor for our Emerging Leaders Fellowship. As a Sponsor, you play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of leaders dedicated to advancing racial equity. Your support is not just an investment in the fellowship; it’s an investment in a more inclusive, diverse, and empowered nonprofit sector.

The Impact You Can Make

1. Empowering Emerging Leaders: Your sponsorship directly supports the development of talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and network needed to lead with impact.

2. Promoting Racial Equity: Demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion by aligning your brand with an initiative that actively addresses racial disparities in the nonprofit sector.

3. Brand Visibility: Enjoy prominent recognition across all fellowship materials, events, and platforms, showcasing your commitment to social responsibility and equality.

4. Networking Opportunities: Connect with a community of like-minded organizations and individuals who share your dedication to fostering a more equitable and just nonprofit sector.

Levels of Sponsorship

Choose the level of sponsorship that best aligns with your organization’s capacity, or work with us to come up with something tailored to your organization:

Catalyst Sponsorship – $25,000

Impactful Recognition: Acknowledgment in all promotional materials, including press releases and event collateral, highlighting your organization as a catalyst for change.
Exclusive Networking: Invitation to intimate gatherings with fellows and alumni, fostering genuine connections and insights.

Ally Sponsorship – $15,000

Logo Inclusion: Your logo prominently displayed on event materials and our website, affirming your allyship with emerging leaders in racial equity.Access to Insights: Receive select reports and insights from the fellowship program, providing valuable perspectives on advancing racial equity.

How to Get Involved

Becoming a Corporate Sponsor is a straightforward process:

1. Contact Us: Reach out to our sponsorship team to express your interest and discuss the sponsorship options available.

2. Join the Movement: Your support is not just a transaction; it’s a collaboration towards a more equitable future.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of the Nonprofit Sector