The Emerging Leaders Fellowship

Through this program, young people receive individualized support to strengthen and scale projects they have already started. Fellows work alongside our team to:

• Identify challenges or barriers holding their project back
• Develop strategies to strengthen and scale their work
• Build fundraising plans and identify grant opportunities
• Receive grant writing and fundraising support
• Access fiscal sponsorship through YAFC when appropriate
• Connect with accountants, professionals, and other experts who can support their growth
• Explore establishing an LLC, nonprofit, or other structure for their work

Rather than following a one-size-fits-all curriculum, the Fellowship is tailored to what each young leader and their project needs. YAFC acts as a thought partner, consultant, and project management resource—helping Fellows navigate real challenges and build the infrastructure needed to take their work to the next level.

The Emerging Leaders Fellowship is designed for young people who have already taken action and are ready for deeper support. Fellows may be running a community project, organization, campaign, event, initiative, or early-stage venture and need guidance to grow it sustainably.

It's especially well suited for young people who are:

• Growing an existing community project or initiative
• Launching or formalizing a nonprofit or LLC
• Seeking grants, sponsorships, or other funding
• Building a team, partnerships, or organizational infrastructure
• Navigating a specific challenge within their project
• Ready to expand their reach or impact

Each Fellow receives support based on where they are, what they are building, and the specific challenges they are navigating.

Applications for Cycle #2 will open Mid-October 2026.