Securing the Roots is a fellowship program to expand the fundraising capacity for community-based organizations with budgets up to $1 million.
Securing the Roots is going national! Coming soon: applications for 2024 Securing the Roots cohorts.
In 2024, we intend to facilitate multiple 6-week cohorts - with at least one in the spring and one in the fall. The spring cohort will be open to people from organizations across the United States nonprofit sector, with no focus on a specific issue area.
As part of the cohort, participants will…
build individual and collective capacities for generating resources
learn about raising resources, practice, then learn and practice more
have in-person conversations with major gift officers, program officers, and/or foundation directors
ask and answer questions to help inform the way that your organization raises resources
New dates will be added soon for the 2024 programs. However, we are leaving old program dates up so you can see the anticipated timeline.
Important dates for the 2023 program
August 1, 2023: Application available
August 23, 2023: Applications due by 12 AM / Midnight
August 31, 2023: Acceptance notifications sent
Early September: Participant confirmation documents due
Program Details:
The cohort will run for 6 weeks, from September to October 2023.
Open to Individuals & organizations from across the nonprofit sector.
Arts & culture sector applicants are encouraged to apply.
Cohort Schedule:
Fridays from 10 am - 2 pm ET (Online)
Session 1: September 15th
Session 2: September 22nd
Session 3: September 29th
Session 4: October 6th
Session 5: October 13th
Friday & Saturday - Times TBD (In-person in Philadelphia)
Session 6: October 20th & 21st
Applicants MUST…
be willing and able to commit to 6 weekly online sessions (10 am - 2 pm ET), 1 one-on-one cohort partner meeting, completing work & assignments between sessions, and 1 one-on-one coaching session with an STR Co-Leader
be the primary fundraiser for your organization*
have some experience in fundraising, but cannot be an expert (approximately 1-5 years of fundraising experience) *
currently work at a nonprofit organization whose budget is under $1 million
be working in an organization led by and/or for people of color *
*For more info on these eligibility requirements, please refer to our FAQ page.
Our commitment to equity and accessibility
This program is free. There is NO cost to the individual or organization.
Participants receive a stipend of $2,500 plus additional accessibility support as desired (childcare support, technology, translation or interpretation services, etc.). Stipend can be paid to the individual or organization.
At least 65% of cohort are people of color.
At least 65% of cohort are from gender-oppressed groups.
100% of cohort represent organizations led by and/or for people of color.
Program emphasizes practice, especially in asking for BIG resources.
Sessions value self-care and personal wellness.
Activities take into account the ways that systems of oppression and trauma effect and inform our work.
In the virtual meeting spaces, we provide plenty of brain breaks and curriculum that engages the many ways people learn and process information.
