2026/2027 Collective Impact Fellowship: Advisor Application

Program Overview:

The Collective Impact Fellowship brings together AFP scholarship opportunities and professional mentorship to create a year-long leadership development experience. Fellows gain access to training, mentorship, and networking opportunities while building a pathway to deeper AFP engagement and future board leadership, and Advisors help develop knowledgeable, ethical, and confident fundraisers through individual mentorship.

The 12-month program supports fundraisers from underrepresented communities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, emerging professionals, and those from smaller or under-resourced nonprofits. Fellows receive full access to AFP professional development and are paired with experienced Advisors for one-on-one guidance throughout the program.

Expectations of an Advisor:

Collective Impact Advisors are paired with a Fellow to provide one-on-one guidance throughout the program, supporting their professional growth and offering insight based on their goals and experience. Advisors commit to at least two hours of meaningful engagement per quarter, either virtually or in person.

In addition to mentorship, Advisors help Fellows build networks, strengthen leadership skills, and navigate the nonprofit sector. Advisors are expected to maintain an active AFP membership, attend the Fellowship orientation on August 13, 2026, and participate in most chapter educational events and socials to support Fellow engagement.

Collective Impact Fellowship Benefits:

Advisors will be compensated for their annual AFP NWA Chapter membership dues upon successfully completing the program year. Advisors also have access to additional scholarship opportunities for continued education while building relationships with new fundraisers, developing mentorship skills, and engaging meaningfully with their AFP NWA Chapter.

Program Timeline:

May 20 - June 19, 2026: 2026/2027 Fellowship applications open

July 22, 2026: Advisor/Fellow pairing announcement (social media and newsletter)

August 13, 2026 @ 9:00-11:00 am: 2026/2027 Fellowship kick-off and orientation

August 19, 2026 @ 8:30 am: Chapter education session

September 2026: Fellow/Advisor session (1-on-1)

October 21, 2026 @ 8:30 am: Chapter education session

November 4, 2026 @ 11:00 am - National Philanthropy Day event

December 2026: Fellow/Advisor session (1-on-1)

January 2027: Chapter education session (TBD)

February 2027: AFP NWA Chapter Social & Fellow/Advisor Session (1-on-1)

March 2027: Chapter education session (TBD)

April 2027: Fellow/Advisor Session (1-on-1)

May 2027: Chapter education session (TBD), Fellowship graduation (TBD), outgoing class of Fellows/Advisors helps recruit new fellowship class

For more information or questions, contact Fellowship Co-Chairs Lauren Husband at lhusband@springdalear.gov or Kayla LaCavera at klacavera90@gmail.com.

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

Are you a CFRE or equivalent? If yes, list the year awarded. * The field Are you a 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.

Advisor Commitments:

I will attend the 2026/2027 Fellowship orientation on August 13th from 8:30-10:00am.
I will offer at least two hours of meaningful interaction with my assigned Fellow per quarter for a total of eight hours over the course of the Fellowship year.
I will attend the majority of AFP NWA Chapter education sessions and social events throughout the year to support my Fellow’s ongoing learning and engagement.
I will maintain an active AFP membership during the program.

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

Advisor Responsibilities:

I will work with my Fellow to establish focus areas and provide tailored guidance based on my Fellow's professional development needs and goals.
I will strive to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for my Fellow during the program.
I will maintain confidentiality regarding any organizational or personal information shared by my Fellow during our interactions.

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 three (3) of the seven available scholarships but will only be awarded one.

Allison A. McElroy Membership Scholarship (Membership Scholarship)
Funded by AFP NWA Chapter Co-Founder Allison A. McElroy, this scholarship helps offset the cost of joining or renewing AFP membership. For the 2026/2027 Fellowship year, preference will be given to Advisors working at small nonprofits. The nonprofit must meet the following requirements: an operating budget of less than $2,000,000, a fundraising department with less than two (2) full time equivalent (FTE) staff, and not affiliated with a larger institution supporting their operations. One AFP Professional Individual Membership is awarded annually, covering both AFP Global membership and chapter dues.

CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) Scholarship
This scholarship supports fundraising professionals pursuing CFRE certification. Applicants must be responsible for fundraising at a 501(c)(3) organization, be an active AFP NWA member, and have either passed the CFRE exam within the past 12 months or plan to take it during the Fellowship year. The recipient must agree to serve as an Advisor through the Collective Impact Fellowship program. One recipient will receive up to $700 in reimbursement for exam expenses.

Chamberlain Scholarship (AFP ICON Scholarship)
Named in honor of Ralph E. Chamberlain, CFRE, this scholarship, provided by AFP Global, supports first-time attendance at the AFP ICON Conference. Open to Advisors and Fellows, with preference given to Fellows. Recipients must attend AFP ICON, submit receipts, and provide a post-conference reflection by June 30. AFP Global covers AFP ICON registration (minus a $10 fee) for one recipient per chapter, and AFP NWA reimburses up to $1,000 for travel and lodging.

Clay Edwards Memorial Scholarship (AFP ICON Scholarship)
Honoring former AFP NWA member Clay Edwards, this scholarship supports attendance at the AFP ICON Conference and encourages emerging fundraisers. Open to Advisors and Fellows, with preference given to Fellows and first-time attendees. Recipients must register early, attend AFP ICON, submit receipts, and provide a post-conference reflection by June 30. One recipient will receive up to $2,000 for registration, travel, and lodging (reimbursed) to AFP ICON.

Cyndi Bilyeu Memorial Leadership Scholarship (Membership Scholarship)
Named in memory of former AFP NWA member Cyndi Bilyeu, this scholarship honors her commitment to leadership, professional development, and mentorship in fundraising. This membership scholarship is open to Executive Directors and CEOs with fundraising responsibilities. One Cyndi Bilyeu Memorial scholarship is awarded annually, covering the full cost of AFP membership.

IDEA Champion Scholarship (Membership Scholarship)
This scholarship, supported by AFP Global, expands access to AFP membership for fundraisers from diverse communities or those serving diverse populations. Open to Advisors and Fellows who meet AFP’s eligibility criteria. One IDEA scholarship is awarded annually, covering the full cost of AFP membership.

Ten Star Gold Scholarship (Membership Scholarship)
Supported by AFP Global, this scholarship provides AFP membership through the Ten Star Gold recognition program for chapters that meet Ten Star Gold requirements. Open to Advisors and Fellows, with preference given to Fellows. One Ten Star Gold scholarship is awarded annually, covering the full cost of AFP membership.

Which of the Advisor scholarships outlined above would you like to apply for? (You may select up to three.): * The field Which of the Advisor scholarships outlined above would you like to apply for? (You may select up to three.): is required.

Have you attended AFP ICON in the past? * The field Have you attended AFP ICON in the past? is required.