Connecting Leaders Fellowship Program

This year-long experience is designed to sharpen the skills and strengthen the leadership capacity of individuals committed to assisting Black communities through philanthropy.

Walk away with a new community, new skills, and a renewed sense of purpose.

CLFP Group

Overview

The Connecting Leaders Fellowship is a selective leadership development program

that cultivates bold, representative, and inclusive decision-makers to lead the philanthropic sector. The program is rigorous, highly personal, and built for early- to mid-career philanthropic professionals looking to advance their goals and learn how they might better contribute to a more racially equitable and just society. 

Eligibility Requirements

The Fellowship is open to anyone who fits the following profile:

  • 2+ years of demonstrated experience as a grantmaker, trustee, donor or nonprofit leader working in philanthropy.
     
  • A demonstrated philanthropic commitment to assisting Black people and Black communities.
     
  • Ability to attend the program's week-long Leadership Summit. Participation in the Summit is mandatory, and includes professional development exercises, partner sessions, introduction to ABFE's Philanthropic Advising Services, and peer networking opportunities. Participants are responsible for their participant fees and ABFE covers the costs associated with lodging at the designated host hotel and group meals.  
     
  • An active ABFE Membership is not a prerequisite to apply to the Fellowship, however, all Connecting Leaders Fellowship participants must be current members of ABFE at the time the Fellowship program begins and for the entire cohort period. Learn more about becoming an ABFE Member.

Purpose and Eligibility

Black philanthropic professionals often express myriad challenges in navigating the sector. CLFP is a well-respected program, designed to help early- to mid-career professionals thrive.

CLFP
CLFP aims to increase the leadership capacity of foundation staff, donors and trustees who are committed to assisting Black communities.
CLFP Group
The program is designed for early to mid-career professionals including foundation staff; donors; trustees; and nonprofit leaders.
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Participants can expect access to leadership development and educational programming, networking opportunities, and tools resources to advance their capacity and preparedness in the sector.

Sponsor the Fellowship

Sponsorship support is an amazing way to invest in a dynamic learning journey, designed for Black leaders.

Get in touch with our Program team to learn about sponsorship opportunities.

Meet the Program Staff

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Opportunities to join the ABFE Community

Come with us on our mission.