The Development Fellowship equips liberty-minded young professionals with the philosophical foundation and practical fundraising skills needed to strengthen the institutions advancing liberty. Participants will explore the principles of philanthropy, donor cultivation, organizational development, major gifts, foundation relations, and planned giving while learning how successful organizations build meaningful relationships that sustain their mission for the long term.
America’s Future is the host organization for this fellowship. The program is designed for professionals working in development, fundraising, nonprofit leadership, communications, policy, advocacy, and related fields. It is held virtually via Zoom on Monday evenings for six weeks, allowing participants to engage directly with instructors and fellow professionals. The fellowship emphasizes both the philosophy and practice of nonprofit development, preparing participants to become more effective development professionals.
Development Fellowship Benefits
- Develop a philosophical understanding of why private philanthropy is essential to a free society
- Learn the principles of donor cultivation, stewardship, and long-term relationship building
- Explore organizational development, major gifts, foundation relations, and planned giving
- Gain practical fundraising strategies that support mission-driven organizations
- Build the knowledge and confidence needed to strengthen institutions within the liberty movement
Development Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Work in development, fundraising, advancement, nonprofit management, communications, policy, or advocacy roles
- Work at mission-aligned organizations seeking to strengthen fundraising capacity and long-term sustainability
- Are considering a career in nonprofit development or philanthropy
- Want to build practical fundraising skills while gaining a deeper understanding of private philanthropy’s role in preserving a free society
- Seek to become more effective development professionals and strengthen the institutions advancing liberty
- Must be available to attend all virtual sessions (Monday evenings, 6:30–8:00 PM ET)
- Must reside in the United States
How to Apply for Development Fellowship
- Complete the online application form
- Upload your resume
- Submit responses to short-answer application questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the America’s Future Development Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
Do I have to be available to participate in all classes?
Yes. To participate, you must attend all sessions and respect all instructors and participants.
What makes a strong candidate for this program?
Strong candidates demonstrate an interest in advancing the principles of liberty, a commitment to professional growth, and a desire to strengthen nonprofit organizations through effective fundraising and donor engagement.
Do I need prior fundraising experience?
No. The fellowship welcomes participants from a variety of professional backgrounds. Whether you currently work in development, communications, policy, advocacy, nonprofit management, or another field, the program is designed to provide both the philosophical foundation and practical skills necessary to become a more effective development professional.
Do I have to reside in the United States to participate?
Yes, you must reside in the United States.
What if I don’t currently work in development?
Many professionals in communications, policy, nonprofit leadership, and advocacy play an important role in fundraising and donor engagement. This fellowship is designed to help participants understand how sustainable development strengthens organizations and advances the ideas of liberty, regardless of their current role.
Who should I contact with questions?
Questions should be directed to Alden at [email protected].
What are the class dates and schedule?
The virtual classes take place on Mondays from 6:30–8:00 PM ET. Dates are September 28, October 5, October 19, October 26, November 2, and November 9, 2026. There is no class on October 12 (Columbus Day).
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on September 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. Participants will be selected between September 14 and 21, 2026.
Is there a fee to participate?
The official website does not mention any participation fee. For confirmation, please contact the organizers at [email protected].
How can I contact the organizer?
For any inquiries, you can email Alden at [email protected].
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
