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.

Early Applications for the 2026 Open Access Fellowship program open January 19, 2026 and close at midnight on February 1, 2026. The General Application opens on Monday, February 2nd and closes at midnight on March 15, 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

Soon after submission of your application, you will receive an invoice for your application fee. Payment must be received in order for your application to be considered.

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:

I confirm that I have watched the informational video in its entirety and understand that I am responsible for adhering to all program requirements outlined in the video.
How did you hear about us?*
If Sponsor, 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.*

Affordable Housing Tax Credit CoalitionBaker Tilly CapitalBroad StreetCherry BekaertChicago Community Loan FundConscious Markets GroupLISC NJMonge CapitalNational Trust Investment CorporationNew Jersey Community CapitalOhio Capital Corporation for HousingPlatform for Social ChangeStonehenge CapitalRise Community CapitalTelacu IndustriesTruFundUpper Manhattan Empowerment Zone
Title*

Mr.Mrs.Other
First Name*
Last Name*
Gender*

MaleFemaleNon-binaryOtherPrefer Not to Say
Birth Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Organization Name (current work or school)*
Organization Position*
Primary Email*
Other Email
Primary Phone*
Other Phone
Best contact method*

EmailPhoneBoth
Best time to call*

MorningAfternoon
Street Address*
City*
State*
Zip*
LinkedIn URL*
Other Websites*
Are you a Project REAP Alumni?*

YesNo
If yes, what city did you participate in?

AtlantaChicagoClevelandColumbusDallasLos AngelesKansas CityNew YorkWashington, DCVirtual AcademyNot Applicable
If yes, what year did you participate in REAP?
What degree or level of education have you completed?*

Graduating Senior (BA, BS)Some College, No DegreeBachelor's Degree (e.g. BA, BS)Master's Degree (e.g. MD, DDS, DVM)Doctorate (e.g. PhD, EdD)Other Certifications
Academic Major (please list all)*
How would you best describe yourself?*

Black or African-AmericanNon-Hispanic, White or Euro-AmericanAmerican Indian or Alaska NativeAsianHispanic, Latinx, or of Spanish OriginOther
How did you hear about Open Access?*
Please indicate your level of work experience*

0 - 2 years3 -5 years6 - 9 years10 - 14 years15+ years
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) *

Remote onlyIn-person to the nearest officeBoth
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:*

Part Time WorkFull Time WorkDuring the Work WeekFlex SchedulingEvenings and weekends
Are you interested in full-time employment post the fellowship period?*

YesNo
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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