Recognizing that the leaders we need tomorrow are making important contributions today, Independent Sector introduced the American Express NGen Fellows Program in 2009 to elevate and cultivate leadership and develop lasting relationships among 12 under-40 leaders at IS member organizations.

This program enhances IS's NGen: Moving Nonprofit Leaders from Next to Now  program.

The fellows programming, anchored by the IS Annual Conference, offers a comprehensive program that develops fellows’ capacity to lead in turbulent times, strengthens their professional networks, and elevates NGen accomplishments on a national level. 

Over the course of nine months, these accomplished and innovative leaders will collaborate with other talented under-40 leaders, interact with established mentors, and contribute to Independent Sector's work on nonprofit impact and leadership.

Learn more about the 2012 American Express NGen Fellows here.

Twelve fellows were each selected in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Each cohort has undertaken a group-led collaborative project that has highlighted issues of concern to next generation leaders and drawn on the talents and experience of the group.  The 2011 cohort's project on Leading Through Data is currently underway.

How are Fellows selected?

Candidates are evaluated against the criteria by a selection committee comprised of emerging and established leaders of IS member organizations. Applications for the 2013 cohort will be announced in January 2013. 

We encourage all applicants and other emerging leaders to attend the NGen pre-conference program at the 2012 Independent Sector Annual Conference in San Francisco. 

For more information, email ngenfellows@independentsector.org.