Fundraising Management & Philanthropic Leadership Fellowship

Applications for fellowships are accepted year-round due April 1 and reviewed at the March Oversight
​Committee Meeting. Up to three fellowships are awarded annually.
Our Fundraising Management & Philanthropic Leadership Fellowship provides grant funding for the continued education of fundraising managers. Ideal candidates include chief development officers of a non-profit organization or any non-profit leadership staff with at least half-time responsibility for fundraising.

​The Milton Murray Fund for Philanthropy Oversight Committee (the "Committee”) assigns a board liaison to work with each candidate to customize a program that best meets the candidate's experience and education needs. Candidates and the Committee must agree on the Track assignment prior to confirmation of Fellowship.  ​

The grant will reimburse up to $5,000 for the educational course and up to $2,000 for related expenses with payment of the final one-third of the grant upon successful completion of the written report and personal presentation to the Committee.
Track I - Non-Profit Management Education

  • Short-term (2-4 week) non-profit management course from an esteemed institution with a developed speciality in this content area. Examples include Harvard University, Stanford, Claremont Graduate School, and Vanderbilt University.

  • Candidate is responsible for applying for admission to institution.

  • A "thesis" report project to be presented to Committee upon completion of program.
Track III - Non-Profit Executive Coaching

  • A year-long experience for managers and executives utilizing the services of a professional coach to enrich personal leadership skills for philanthropy and overall organizational development.

  • Read three professional books on a select leadership topic.

  • Prepare a report outlining professional goals pursued and evidence of initial accomplishment resulting from the coaching experience.
Track II - Philanthropy & Management Education

  • A one-week educational session on fundraising from either the Institute of Philanthropy associated with the University of Wisconsin at Madison, WI or the Fund Raising School associated with Indiana University at Indianapolis, IN.

  • A three-day education session focusing on non-profit management issues.

  • A "thesis" report project to be presented to Committee upon completion of program.
Track IV - Advanced Certification

Offered only to senior level fundraisers with a current CFRE credential who have at least eight years of experience.

This track recognizes the professional commitment required for the highest level of certification in the fundraising profession.

  • A one-month sabbatical to study for either FAHP or ACFRE exam.

  • Mentors will be arranged through AHP and/or AFP

  • The cost of one exam application fee (approximately $500) and $3,000 will be paid to the candidate at the time of the sabbatical, with a final $1,500 paid to the candidate upon notification of passing the FAHP or ACFRE exam. (The candidate may also use vacation time during his/her sabbatical, if desired.)
Milton Murray Fund for Philanthropy