2026 York Federal Fellows Application

York Federal Fellows Application

Class of 2026
- If you would like feedback from the volunteer Peer Reader, the deadline to submit is September 12, 2025.
- Final Application Deadline is September 26, 2025.
The Fellows Program offers outstanding nonprofit executive leaders the opportunity to spend a year developing professionally and personally while expanding their leadership skills. With a grant of up to $7,500, executives can pursue their development and connect with other executives during regular workshop sessions throughout the year.

The Fellowship will:
- Strengthen the ability of experienced nonprofit executives to lead their organization.
- Strengthen the connections among York's nonprofit executives.
- Make York County nonprofits stronger.
- Meet community needs.
Applicants must be current executive directors, CEOs or in a position of strategic leadership in nonprofit organizations, educational institutions or government in York County, PA, i.e.: President, Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Program Officer, and executive level employees being groomed for C-Suite.

The class cohort will include 4 Fellows. While we typically welcome 3 individuals per year, generous support from the York County Community Foundation has allowed us to expand the cohort and offer this opportunity to an additional Fellow.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Applicant Title*
Organization Name*
Organization URL*
Senior level position held with current nonprofit employer for at least 12 months? (President, Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Program Officer, and executive level employees being groomed for C-Suite.)*

YesNo
Can you confirm you are the sole applicant from your organization's staff and Board of Directors who will be applying for a fellowship?*

YesNo

Fellowship Proposal
Please write a biographical statement that addresses the priorities of the York Federal Fellows program. Be sure to include elements from both your personal and professional/organizational life.

The priorities for applicants of the York Federal Fellows program are:
- Demonstrated strategic leadership within one’s field.
- Demonstrated a collaborative approach to leadership within the York Community.
- Alignment with the mission, vision and values of the White Rose Leadership Institute.
- A number of years of leadership in both current or prior nonprofit, educational or governmental institutions.
- Plans that meaningfully increase the applicant’s capacity as a community leader both professionally and personally.
- Plans which stretch boundaries or are otherwise unattainable without the fellowship.
- Plans that will add value to the York County nonprofit community.
Personal & Organizational Biographical Statement*
Description of Fellowship Plan/Activities*
What specific activities do you plan to pursue with Fellowship funds? Please provide links to programs where applicable.
Please note: Up to 30% of requested funds may fund personal growth development activities.
Growth Areas*
Over the next 1-3 years, what professional and personal goals or areas of growth do you expect to achieve?
Fellowship Achieving Goals*
How will your fellowship activities lead to your accomplishment of your stated goals?
Impact*
What is the anticipated impact of your plan on your leadership development, your organization and on the York community?
Collaborative Experience*
What is your experience with collaborative forms of leadership or projects? Please include description of your role in those projects.
Timing*
Why is this the right time for you to pursue your fellowship?
Additional Information
Is there anything else you would like us to know about your Fellowship plans?
Budget
- The York Federal Fellows grant award is now capped at $7,500. Seventy percent (70%) or more of the York Federal Fellowship funding must be used for professional development, with a maximum of 30% of funding being used for personal growth.
- Detailed budget document with total cost of proposed Fellowship Program activities must be provided.
- If applicable, please explain how a variance between your YFF funding request and the budgeted cost will be handled.
Please download the York Federal Fellows Budget Template here, update with your information and upload your completed budget below.
File Upload*

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Budget Requested*
Total Cost of Proposed Fellowship Program*
Variance Explanations
The York Federal Fellows grant award is capped at $7,500. If your program budget exceeds that amount, please explain how you would fund the balance of your program.

Supporting Documents
Please upload the following:
- A copy of your organization’s IRS Determination letter
- Organization's most recent independent audit or financial review
- Organization's most recent 990
- Board of Directors List
- Proof of Organization’s Non-Discrimination Policy
- Letter of endorsement of applicant’s Board President or a Board Officer and
  (if applicable) letter of endorsement from Executive Director or CEO
- Optional: letter of recommendation from a YFF Alumnus/Alumna
Supporting Information*

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Please share the name(s) of any YFF alumni who advised you through the application process.
(The list of YFF alumni can be viewed here)
Please note, if selected:
- In addition to the yearlong professional and personal development program, each York Federal Fellows class meets monthly or bi-monthly with their cohort, and also meets periodically in a social setting with alumni.
- Significant changes to fellowship activities and/or budget must be submitted in writing and approved by the board. The WRLI Board reserves the right to revoke award if circumstances dictate.
- Post-Fellowship report, including receipts, will be required upon completion of Fellowship Year.
- Fellows are invited and expected to continue to be engaged with and give back to the White Rose Leadership Institute after their Fellowship year (in the form of attending events, possibly serving on a committee or joining the board of directors).
If you are not selected for a Fellowship this year, you are absolutely encouraged to seek feedback and apply again in the future!
Signature*

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York Federal Fellows Application

Fellowship Proposal

Budget

Supporting Documents