AFP/Blackbaud Emerging Leader Mentor Program

Our mentorship program connects 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 Emerging Leaders Task Force (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 the AFP Global website, draft an article for AFP Daily newsletter, or write a blog post for the AFP Global website.
• 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. Our mentors will need to meet the following criteria to participate in the program:

• 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.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to people from varied backgrounds with compassion and understanding.
• Be 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.