WII values equity and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.
We seek to attract and develop talented women from diverse backgrounds, enriching the program with varied experiences and perspectives. AFP membership is required to apply.
AFP/Alford Group Women’s Impact Initiative Mentor Program
Mentoring is a learning partnership, a journey of collective discovery that supports personal and professional development strategies.
Program Highlights
Mentors and mentees develop goals to help advance their careers, gain leadership skills, and create an inclusive and equitable future for our profession. We offer:
- An 8-month virtual, structured mentoring program with measurable outcomes.
- Connections with expert fundraising mentors dedicated to mentee growth.
- Skills-based trainings and curated cohort experiences for mentors and mentees.
Sponsored by:
Applications Open This Fall 2026
Submit your application to enter the learning partnership that is mentorship, a journey of collective discovery that supports personal and professional development strategies.
Program Dates and Deadlines
*Dates subject to change.
September 2026: Application Process Opens
October 2026: Applications Due
December 2026: 2027 Cohort Announced
February/March 2027: Orientation Session
March 2027: Program Starts
October 2027: Program Concludes
Our mentorship program connects women fundraisers with inspirational mentors to help grow, evolve and further their education to develop leadership skills and create an inclusive and equitable future of our profession. The requirements are as follows:
- Able to commit to the full 8-month relationship.
- Be an AFP member in good standing.
- Complete the application process: application and recommendation.
- Allow application information to be shared with the Women's Impact Committee (all information will be kept in the strictest confidence).
- Agree to attend the Virtual Kick-Off in February/March 2027 (date to be determined).
- Participate in at least 8 meetings with my mentor during the 8-month program.
- Complete at least one of the following: create a micro-learning for afpglobal.org, draft an article for AFP Daily newsletter, or write a blog post.
- Commit to attending ICON 2027 (April 11-13 in Baltimore, MD) and LEAD 2027 (TBD) if possible. Registration fees will be covered through the Alford Group or Blackbaud Sponsorships.
- Fully participate in the program’s meetings and webinars to the best of your ability, which includes having your camera on during group meetings, whenever possible.
We are looking for committed and passionate fundraising professionals who are willing to unconditionally support the development of new fundraisers who are aspiring to be leaders. The requirements are as follows:
- Able to commit to a full 8-month relationship.
- Be an AFP member in good standing.
- Agree to attend the virtual program kick-off in February/March 2027 (date to be confirmed).
- Participate in at least 8 meetings with a mentee during the 8-month program.
- Complete all sessions or program evaluations as requested.
- Commit to attending ICON 2027 (April 11-13 in Baltimore, MD) and LEAD 2027 (TBD) if possible. Registration fees will be covered through the Alford Group or Blackbaud Sponsorships.
- Have access to a diverse network and be willing to make connections for a mentee as needed.
- Have a sincere desire to build a constructive and positive relationship with a mentee.
- Able to draw examples from your own experience as a leader.
- Agree to fully participate in the program’s meetings and webinars to the best of your ability, which includes having your camera on during group meetings, whenever possible.
Each mentorship pair will complete at least one of the following:
Create a micro-learning video for the AFP Global website.
Draft an article for the AFP Daily newsletter.
Write a blog post for the AFP Global website.
