Securing the Roots is a fellowship to expand the fundraising capacity for community-based organizations in and around Philadelphia with budgets up to $1 million.

 
 

Applications are currently OPEN for the 2023 Securing the Roots cohort.

This year, we will facilitate one cohort that runs from September - October 2023. This cohort will be open to people and organizations from across the nonprofit sector in the Greater Philadelphia Area, with no focus on a specific issue area. We do, however, encourage and invite folks who work in the arts & culture sector to apply.

 
 

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

 

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, complete assigned work & assignments, and 1 one-on-one coaching session with a program 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 in the Greater Philadelphia Area (Chester County included)

  • 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.

 
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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.

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Learn more and meet the facilitators —