Nurturing Leadership for the Region's Nonprofits

The Trust believes that investing in talented nonprofit leaders benefits their organizations, their fields and the entire sector. Further, there is a need to increase diversity among the leadership ranks and to prepare for transition as current leaders retire. The Chicago Community Trust Fellowship offers professional development opportunities for both emerging and experienced leaders who are open to new learning, have a track record of accomplishments, have potential for significant community impact and demonstrate commitment to building strong nonprofit and public sectors.

About the Awards

Fellowship applicants customize their own professional development plans. Emerging leaders are awarded up to $30,000 and experienced leaders are awarded up to $60,000 to put these plans into practice. The award may fund salary and benefits during a leave of absence from work, costs related to academic courses, coaching or learning from other practitioners.


 
RESCHEDULED: Q & A Session for the 2013 Fellowship
With applications for the 2013 Fellowship now open, the Trust will address your questions at an informational session on Thursday, May 24 from 9:00 to 11:00am at The Chicago Community Trust, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2200 in Chicago. If you have been to the Trust's office before, please note our new address. You can RSVP for this information session by email to Elizabeth Weldon at Please bring a photo ID and check in at the building's security desk.

Founded in

1984 (as the Fellowship for Community Leaders)


Selection Committee
  • Martin R. Castro, Chair
    Trust Executive Committee
  • Vincent Allocco
    El Valor
  • Cleo Aquino
    Chicago Public Schools
  • Dave DeCoursey
    Leadership Greater Chicago
  • Juan Dies
    Trust Fellow (former)
  • Shawn M. Donnelley
    Trust Executive Committee
  • Mark Finke
    Trust Staff
  • Christian Greer
    Trust Fellow (former)
  • Marcia Lipetz
    Former Executive Director, Executive Service Corps of Chicago
  • Liz Livingston-Howard
    Kellogg School of Management
  • Bill Lowry
    Trust Staff
  • Greg White
    LEARN Charter Schools

Applying for the 2013 Fellowship

Applications are now being accepted for the 2013 Trust Fellowship. Emerging and experienced leaders in the local nonprofit sector are encouraged to apply. The deadline for application is June 15, 2012. More details and how to apply


Announcing the 2012 Fellows

2012 Trust Fellows

In December 2011, the Trust announced eight new Trust Fellows leading organizations spanning the nonprofit sector. Read the press release, then meet the 2012 fellows.

Meet John Bouman.

The president of the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, a 2011 Fellow, talks about how the fellowship will enrich his work on behalf of nonprofits. Learn more about John and the other 2011 Fellows.