"Building the Next Generation of Fundraisers in Northwest Arkansas"

"A year-long fellowship combining mentorship, scholarships, and professional development — designed for fundraisers from underrepresented communities."

Applications are closed. Next cohort applications open May 2027.

What Is the Collective Impact Fellowship? 

The Collective Impact Fellowship is the AFP Northwest Arkansas Chapter's flagship program for emerging fundraising professionals. It brings together our scholarship program and mentorship program into a single, year-long experience designed to remove barriers, build careers, and strengthen the future of philanthropy in Northwest Arkansas.

Fellows are paired one-on-one with experienced fundraising professionals, their Advisors, for individualized guidance, accountability, and connection throughout the year. Together, they attend educational events, access professional development resources, and help build a more inclusive fundraising community across our region.

The Fellowship is open to fundraisers from underrepresented communities and fundraisers serving smaller or under-resourced nonprofits. You do not need to be a current AFP member to apply.

For Fellows:

●      12-month AFP Global and NWA Chapter membership (fully covered through fellowship scholarships)

●      1:1 mentorship with a senior AFP professional, tailored to your goals

●      Access to all AFP NWA Chapter Educational Sessions

●      Bi-Annual Summit educational event — a full-day professional development program

●      Networking & Community Building Opportunities: Luncheon workshops, Chapter Socials, and more.

●      National Philanthropy Day: Volunteer and attendance opportunity

●      Opportunity to apply for AFP NWA Chapter Scholarships (see scholarships tab for more info)

For Advisors:

●      Meaningful 1:1 mentorship experience with an emerging fundraising professional

●      AFP NWA Chapter membership dues reimbursed upon successful program completion

●      Access to additional scholarship opportunities (see scholarships tab for more info)

●      Connection to new fundraisers and the broader AFP NWA community

●      Leadership development through mentorship

 Introducing the 2026–2027 Collective Impact Fellowship Class 

Applications Open May 2027

Think this program is for you or for someone you know? Applications for the 2027–2028 Collective Impact Fellowship will open in May 2027. We welcome applicants from across Northwest Arkansas and the Ft. Smith area who are ready to invest in their growth as fundraising professionals.

Questions About the Fellowship?

We'd love to hear from you. Reach out with any questions about the program, the application process, or what to expect as a Fellow or Advisor. You can contact the Fellowship Co-Chairs at: Lauren Husband – lhusband@springdalear.gov or Kayla LaCavera – klacavera90@gmail.com