Philanthropy/Development Fellowship

The National Leadership Program: Fellowship in Philanthropy/Development

RespectAbility is on the front lines of inclusive philanthropy. We are passionate about bringing intersectionality into not only our work, but into the philanthropy sector at-large. Many philanthropists do not explicitly include the disability community in their portfolio, even though disability cuts across every demographic – race/ethnicity, sex/gender, sexual orientation, religion, class, and more. Indeed, the disability community is the largest minority group in the country. If a philanthropist supports any underserved population, they already are supporting people with disabilities. However, they may not do so with an understanding of what works, or they might not realize that some of their constituents have disabilities in the first place.

That is where our Philanthropy/Development team comes in: we cultivate relationships with philanthropists who have mutual interests and are passionate about helping others. We provide them with best practices on how to include people with disabilities successfully in both their philanthropy and internal operations. We do this in a variety of ways, and the primary areas for Philanthropy/Development Fellows are two-fold:

1. Support our work in reaching out to philanthropists – foundations, individuals, and corporations – on how they can better serve people with disabilities, especially in their already existing work.
2. Secure the needed financial support so all of our departments – including Policy, Entertainment and News Media, Leadership and Workforce Development, and Faith Inclusion and Belonging – can function and expand so we can continue to fight stigmas and expand opportunities for people with disabilities. We ask philanthropists to support specific program areas and general operations.

Our program is fully accessible for people with disabilities and offers full-time in-house job coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities. Assistive technology is available as needed.

Who We Want

The National Leadership Program is ideal for people who want to gain skills and contacts while making a positive difference for people with disabilities. We are looking for thoughtful and results-driven individuals who want to achieve breakthrough results while getting hands-on experience. The Fellowship is for college and graduate students, as well as for people transitioning into the workforce for the first time, or back into the workforce after a break. Fellows ideally will have an interest in the philanthropy/development sector. Past development experience not necessary.

Fellowship Duties

The Fellows will work closely with our National Leadership Program Manager and Senior Director of Inclusive Philanthropy and Development. Individual projects will be assigned based on an individual’s unique skill set and their own ability to “bring something to the table.” Tasks might include grant and proposal writing, prospect research, donor relations, and attending donor and prospect meetings. Philanthropy/Development Fellows will join supervisors at workshops, webinars, and events that pertain to philanthropy and development. Fellows will learn about all of our issue areas and departments as well.

Each Fellow will receive many opportunities to learn new skills, network, and gain direct experience. In addition to hands-on work experiences, all Fellows will participate in special presentations by guest speakers and intensive grant writing and fundraising workshops. A career plan will be developed by each Fellow that will enable them to gain appropriate workplace experience while contributing directly and measurably to RespectAbility’s impact. Upon the completion of the Fellowship program, applicants can expect to come away with excellent experience in the fields of policy, strategic communications, and fundraising; fair knowledge of issues for people with disabilities; and leadership skills to help them grow into confident advocates.

Important Details for Applicants

• Excellent communication and organizational skills are strongly preferred, and Fellows should exhibit leadership skills to complete their own projects.
• Strong preference for college juniors and above.
• The Fellowship program lasts five months.
• Core hours include between 11 AM-5:30 PM ET.
• Fellows are asked to work a minimum of 15 hours per week while not exceeding 20 hours per week.
• Fellows will receive $17/hr.
• Your cover letter must explain why this Fellowship in particular is of interest to you and why you believe you have the skills, focus and independent drive to make a positive difference in your time with us at RespectAbility.

Expectations

• A commitment of 15-20 hours per week.
• Participation in staff meetings and team meetings.
• Attendance in weekly speaker series.
• Work with the National Leadership Program Manager on advancing your career goals. This will include strengthening your resume, cover letter and building your professional network.

RespectAbility provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, RespectAbility complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

All Fellowship Opportunities

• Public Policy and Civic Engagement
• Entertainment and News Media
• Marketing and Communications
• Philanthropy/Development
• Leadership and Workforce Development
• Faith Inclusion and Belonging
• Operations/Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
• Fox Family Foundation Fellowship

Learn More

• Meet Current and Past Fellows
• Full Details on the National Leadership Program