Applications Open for the American Express NGen Fellows Program

With the unprecedented political, economic, and social changes that are underway, we need powerful leadership more than ever. The young leaders already working for nonprofits and foundations are uniquely positioned to move our community into a new era of service and impact.

Recognizing that the leaders we need tomorrow are already poised to contribute today, Independent Sector introduces the American Express NGen Fellows Program. This exciting new program will build the capacity of 12 young professionals from IS member organizations to shape the future of the nonprofit community.

Fellows will participate in a series of exceptional opportunities. At this year's IS Annual Conference in Detroit, to be held in partnership with the Council of Michigan Foundations November 4-6, fellows will receive complementary registration and lodging so they can take part in NGen workshops and contribute to conference-wide discussions. They will also engage in tailored online and in-person programming, have special opportunities for interaction with key people in the Independent Sector network, and participate in a six-month project that advances their leadership skills and engages emerging nonprofit and philanthropic leaders on sector-wide issues.

The American Express NGen Fellows Program enhances IS’s NGen: Moving Nonprofit Leaders from Next to Now program, which is designed to expand and improve the nonprofit talent pool by developing the leadership skills and networks of emerging leaders. Open to all Annual Conference attendees under the age of 40, NGen offers targeted workshop sessions addressing topics important to emerging leaders and opportunities for rising young professionals to connect with leaders of all ages.

Fellows will be a diverse and talented group selected from under-40 staff at IS member organizations. The IS website provides details about the fellows program, including how to apply or to nominate someone. Applications are due by August 14, 2009.

The American Express NGen Fellows Program offers dedicated young professionals a rare opportunity to magnify their impact and accelerate their careers. We encourage you to apply or nominate an outstanding young leader at your own or another IS member organization.