2025/2026 Collective Impact Fellowship: Advisor Application

Program Overview:
The Collective Impact Fellowship Program combines the current AFP NWA chapter scholarships and mentor/mentee programs to create leadership opportunities for individuals to sit at the table, participate in training, mentorship, networking activities, be a future board leader, and join as full-time members.

The fellowship is a 12-month program designed to provide leadership opportunities for fundraisers from underrepresented communities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, new nonprofit professionals, and those from smaller or under-resourced nonprofits. The goal is to empower fellows by offering full access to AFP’s professional development, education, and networking opportunities, alongside personalized mentorship from senior professionals in the fundraising field.

Expectations of a Fellowship Advisor:
As an advisor, you will be paired with a fellow and provide one-on-one guidance throughout the program. Your role is to support the fellow in their professional growth, share your expertise, and offer tailored advice based on the fellow’s unique needs and goals. You are expected to engage in at least two hours of meaningful interaction per quarter, which can take place virtually or face-to-face.

In addition to providing mentorship, you will assist your fellow in building their professional network, developing leadership skills, and navigating the nonprofit sector effectively. Advisors must have an active AFP membership, be available to attend the virtual Fellowship orientation on August 13th, and commit to attending the majority of the NWA chapter educational events and socials throughout the year to support your fellow’s ongoing learning and engagement.

Program Timeline

May 21 – June 20, 2025 - Applications Open

July 23rd – Advisor/Fellow Pairing Announcement (Social Media & Newsletter)

August 13th - Fellowship Orientation at 12:00 PM (Virtual) & August 20th - Chapter Educational Event

September 3rd - Lunch & Learn at 12:00PM & Fellow/Advisor Session (1-on-1)

October 15th - Chapter Educational Event

November 15th - National Philanthropy Day Event

December - Fellow/Advisor Session (1-on-1)

January 2026 - Chapter Educational Event (TBD)

February 2026 - AFP NWA Chapter Social & Fellow/Advisor Session (1-on-1)

March 2026 - Chapter Educational Event (TBD)

April 2026 - Fellow/Advisor Session (1-on-1)

May 2026 - Chapter Educational Event (TBD), Fellowship Celebration, and applications Open for 2026–2027 Fellowship Program

June 2026 - Current Fellows/Advisors help recruit and select new fellowship class

For more information or questions, contact Kayla LaCavera - Mentorship Chair, at kayla.lacavera@peelcompton.org

Your Contact Information

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Address Line 1 *

Address Line 2

Phone *

City *

State *

Zip *

Personal Information

Organization Name * The field Organization Name is required.

Current Title * The field Current Title is required.

Email Address * The field Email Address is required.

I am a current member of AFP NWA * The field I am a current member of AFP NWA is required.

Professional Background

Total years in fundraising. Note full vs part time * The field Total years in fundraising. Note full vs part time is required.

Length of time fundraising for current org * The field Length of time fundraising for current org is required.

CFRE or Equivalent (If yes, list the year awarded) * The field CFRE or Equivalent (If yes, list the year awarded) is required.

Please describe any experience you have working in leadership or mentorship roles, and/or any experience working with underrepresented groups in fundraising or nonprofit leadership: * The field Please describe any experience you have working in leadership or mentorship roles, and/or any experience working with underrepresented groups in fundraising or nonprofit leadership: is required.

Areas of Strength, as an Advisor: * The field Areas of Strength, as an Advisor: is required.

Fellowship Advisor Commitments:

I commit to serving as a Fellowship Advisor during the 12-month program, offering at least two hours of meaningful interaction per quarter for a total of eight hours over the course of the fellowship year.
I will have an active AFP membership during the program.
I am available to attend the virtual Fellowship orientation on August 13th, from 12:00-1:00pm.
I commit to attending the majority of the NWA Chapter educational and social events throughout the year to support my fellow’s ongoing learning and engagement.

I agree to all above commitments. * The field I agree to all above commitments. is required.

Fellowship Advisor Responsibilities:

I understand that the fellowship program provides an opportunity to support an emerging fundraiser and that my responsibility as an advisor is to provide tailored guidance based on my mentee's professional development needs and goals.
I agree to maintain confidentiality regarding any organizational or personal information shared by my fellow during our interactions.
I will work with my fellow to schedule meetings and decide on focus areas to ensure the fellowship is valuable.
I understand my responsibility in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for the fellow and will strive to do so.

I understand and agree to all above Fellowship Advisor Responsibilities. * The field I understand and agree to all above Fellowship Advisor Responsibilities. is required.

Scholarship Opportunities:

Advisors are eligible to apply for up to two of the three available scholarships but will only be awarded one.

Advisor Jill Wagar Diversity Membership Scholarship

Supported by AFP Chapter member, Jill Wagar to increase participation of underrepresented groups in the fundraising profession in Northwest Arkansas so our fundraising community better reflects the individuals we serve. The individual will self-identify as a member of an underrepresented group in one of the following categories: race, ethnicity, age, sexuality, or ability/disability. Preference given to individuals who identify as black, Indigenous or a person of color. One will be awarded.

Cyndi Bilyeu Memorial Leadership Scholarship

Named in memory of Cyndi Bilyeu, who was a long-time member of our NWA Chapter as an Executive Director and CEO of local nonprofits in our region. She was a committed member of AFP and encouraged and inspired leadership, continued professional development, mentorship and relationships in fundraising. This membership scholarship is open for Executive Directors/CEOs of organizations with responsibilities over fundraising. One will be awarded

CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) Scholarship

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be responsible for fundraising for a 501(c)(3) organization and must be a current member of the AFP NWA Chapter. Additionally, the CFRE exam must have been taken and passed within the past 12 months or will be taken during the current fellowship year. If awarded the scholarship, the recipient must also be willing to serve as a mentor to a young or new fundraising professional through AFP NWA’s fellowship program. The selected scholarship recipient—or their organization—will receive reimbursement of up to $700 to cover CFRE exam expenses.

I would like to apply for the following scholarship(s):