Open Access Fellowship 2026

The Open Access Fellowship first launched in the Fall of 2021 as an initiative sponsored by professionals Gina Nisbeth, formerly of CitiBank, now of 9th & Clinton and Jeff Monge of Monge Capital. The initiative was created by advocates in the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) industry to increase diversity representation in community development finance. Our initiative focuses on increasing Black & Latinx representation within the community development companies that serve their communities.

Our premise is that the community development industry concentrates much of its efforts in minority communities across America, yet within the industry there is gross underrepresentation by Black, Latinx and diverse professionals at all levels. Organizations working in these communities, therefore, may lack the proper cultural lens to understand how to best serve those communities.

OUR OBJECTIVE

Our objective is to increase the representation of diverse professionals at all levels, including (but not limited to) accounting, legal, finance, consultancy, and development. Our goal is to lead by example and exhibit best practices within an industry that is dedicated to improving the lives of under-resourced and underrepresented communities nationwide. We intend to train talent that will go on to serve communities that have been disproportionately affected by historical disenfranchisement for many years.

The General Application opens on Monday, February 2nd and closes at midnight on March 1, 2026. The 2026 program runs from approximately May 1- July 31st and may be remote, in-person, or hybrid depending on the needs of the host organization. Be sure to select who referred you to apply.

APPLICATION FEE: $50

INFORMATIONAL VIDEO ATTESTATION

Before completing this form, please watch the required informational video in its entirety.

The video provides important details about the program, expectations, and requirements. Applicants are responsible for reviewing this information before submitting their application.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO.

Confirmation:

How did you hear about us?

If Sponsor/Other, please specify:

Please note that Fellowship Host Organizations are subject to change and are not guaranteed each year. View sample of previous hosts job descriptions here.)

Which Fellowship Host would you prefer to work with? Choose your top 5.

Title

First Name

Last Name

Gender

Birth Date

Date

Organization Name (current work or school)

Organization Position

Primary Email

Other Email

Primary Phone

Other Phone

Best contact method

Best time to call

Street Address

City

State

Zip

LinkedIn URL

Other Websites

Are you a Project REAP Alumni?

If yes, what city did you participate in?

If yes, what year did you participate in REAP?

What degree or level of education have you completed?

Academic Major (please list all)

How would you best describe yourself?

Please indicate your level of work experience

Please provide a brief statement of your interest in Open Access and what you hope to gain if selected:

If selected, what do you hope to gain from this Fellowship?

Please select which one best describes you (note: Locations are remote but encouraged to be in person, if able)

Please list any affiliation with professional, community or civic organizations, board participation and volunteer roles that would be beneficial to your Open Access candidacy. - Limit 200 Words

I am available for:

Are you interested in full-time employment post the fellowship period?

Why you are interested in a career in the community development finance industry?

Share what organizations you are affiliated with help support low to moderate income communities (LMI) and or your connection to those communities.

Please upload your resume here.

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Application Fee

$50.00 Quantity

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