Each Fellowship nominee should meet the following criteria:

Journey and Future Vision

Indicators:

• Upper mid to senior career-level, holding significant reporting and financial responsibility (typically the vice-president level, depending upon the organization structure)
• Demonstrates a coherent professional journey to date
• Expresses a specific and realistic 5-year career vision (i.e. has clear goals to expand career in the next 5 years to get to the next level of impact)

National Platform & Contribution to the Field

Indicators:

• Demonstrates a desire for national-level impact
• Articulates issues from a national perspective, not only local context
• Identifies meaningful topics they would advance (e.g., DEI, vulnerable populations, sponsorship, systemic issues)
• Shows potential to contribute thought leadership at a national level

Key Character Traits

Indicators:

• Demonstrates understanding of organizational dynamics and political context
• Shows self-awareness about their role within their organization
• Demonstrates ability to tolerate discomfort, ambiguity, and conflict
• Shows a structured, thoughtful decision-making process
• Is intentional in communication approaches in order to influence and engage others
• Demonstrates self-awareness regarding personal strengths and biases
• Shows awareness of systemic issues, equity considerations, or power dynamics
• Demonstrates a willingness to engage in vulnerable self-reflection as part of a learning experience
• Engages meaningfully in respectful discussion and demonstrates reflective thinking & intentional listening

Candidate Requirements:

• Has a clear, accurate understanding of CEF’s purpose, structure, and community prior to application submission
• Available to travel to and attend four on-site retreats during the 14-month program
• Cannot be related by blood or marriage to any Foundation Board or Leadership Council member.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States. Participants do not need to relocate and can continue their work full time.

For more information on how to nominate a fellow, click here.