The American Express NGen Fellows Program gives emerging nonprofit leaders an exceptional opportunity to strengthen their capacity for future impact. Over the course of ten months, fellows collaborate with other talented under-40 leaders, interact with established mentors, and contribute to Independent Sector's work on nonprofit impact and leadership. 

The fellowship will run from June 3, 2013 to March 29, 2014.

There are four main elements to the program.

1. Leadership development programming that focuses on building self-awareness and learning to exercise leadership to confront adaptive challenges.
2. Networking and learning opportunities within the fellows cohort, with other NGen leaders, and with established sector leaders. 
3. Substantive collaboration on a group-led project that engages emerging nonprofit and philanthropic leaders in moving the needle on sector-wide issues. 
4. Recognition of contributions, both individually and as a group.

These objectives will be pursued through three in-person events, three required phone calls and online collaboration. Selected 2013 American Express NGen Fellows are required to participate in all program elements described below.

Fellows Project

At the center of the program’s in-person and online opportunities for learning and networking will be a group project that advances their personal leadership skills, offers opportunities for substantive collaboration with peers, and engages emerging nonprofit and philanthropic leaders in moving the needle on sector-wide issues. During their fellowship, selected fellows will work together to create and implement this project, using it as a laboratory for ongoing reflection and learning as well as an opportunity to influence key issues for the nonprofit community.

The 2013 Fellows Project will build on the foundation of the previous group projects and an examination of current needs and trends in the sector. Those selected to be fellows will determine the specific content, scope, and format of their project in conversations leading up to the IS National Conference in September, including during the in-person Kick-Off Meeting described below. The group will develop a project workplan to be implemented following the National Conference. The final product will be delivered by March 29, 2014, with results of this effort reported at the 2014 IS National Conference.

Outside of the three in-person events described below, participation in the project will take the form of conference calls and online collaboration, with a time commitment of roughly 5 hours per month. While this project will be selected and directed by the fellows, IS staff will provide administrative and content support. 

Kick Off Meeting

Independent Sector will then host the fellows at our offices in Washington D.C. for an evening get-together on Monday, July 22 and a full-day event on Tuesday, July 23. This initial in-person meeting provides an opportunity for fellows to learn about the program, their personal leadership style, and about each other’s work. This meeting will also launch the leadership development programming and group project work that will continue throughout their fellowship. Selected fellows will be required to arrange for their own travel and lodging. A small travel stipend may be provided for out-of-state fellows as needed.

2013 IS National Conference

American Express NGen Fellows will receive free registration for and lodging at the 2013 IS National Conference and NGen pre-conference events in New York City. Fellows will have special opportunities for interaction with IS's key leaders and partners before, during, and after the conference, including recognition during NGen and at the John Gardner Leadership Dinner.

In addition to attending the main conference program and NGen: Moving Nonprofit Leaders from Next to Now events, fellows will also participate in several special sessions to continue their fellowship programming and group project work. This includes a cohort meeting on Friday before the start of the NGen pre-conference program. Selected fellows are expected to be available for programming in New York City between 10 a.m. on Friday, September 27, and the close of the conference on Tuesday, October 1.

Cohort Meeting

To assist with project planning and implementation, Independent Sector will host the fellows at our offices in Washington D.C. for a one-day event on Monday, January 6. This final in-person meeting provides an opportunity for fellows to continue their collaborative work and builds in additional time for relationship-building and leadership development prior to the end of the fellowship in March. Selected fellows will be required to arrange for their own travel and lodging. A small travel stipend may be provided for out-of-state fellows as needed.

Phone Calls

There will also be three required 1.5 hour phone calls in July, August and November which will supplement the in person events. The events will further the cohorts understanding and practice of leadership. These dates will be scheduled once the cohort is selected.