EMERGING LEADERS IN ADVANCEMENT

A competitive program awarding five full registration waivers to exceptional fundraising professionals positioned to become chief development officers within the next five years. Waivers apply to one summit only.

Program Overview

The Innovations in Philanthropy Summit Emerging Leaders in Advancement Program identifies and invests in the next generation of chief development officers who will shape the future of institutional philanthropy. This competitive program awards five (5) full registration waivers to exceptional fundraising professionals who demonstrate the talent, trajectory, and leadership potential to assume chief development officer roles within the next five years.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet ALL of the following requirements:

Experience Requirements:

  • Minimum of 5 years of major gift fundraising experience (gifts of $25,000+)

  • Currently serving in a senior development role (examples: Senior Director of Development, Director of Major Gifts, Associate Vice President, Executive Director of Development, or equivalent)

  • Demonstrated progression of increasing responsibility in fundraising leadership

Career Trajectory Indicators:

  • Positioned to become a Chief Development Officer within 5 years

  • Currently managing major gift portfolios, teams, or strategic initiatives

  • Track record of personally closing several seven-figure gifts or at least one eight-figure gift

  • Experience developing and executing fundraising strategies

Leadership & Innovation Markers:

  • Evidence of innovative approaches to donor engagement, campaign strategy, or fundraising operations

  • Experience mentoring or managing development professionals

  • Participation in strategic planning or institutional leadership beyond the development office

  • Commitment to advancing the field of philanthropy

    •  Rolling Review: Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis

    • Final Deadline: No applications will be reviewed after March 6, 2026

    • Notification: All notifications will be sent no later than March 11, 2026

    • Submission: Applications should be submitted via email to: emergingleaders@philanthropysummit.us

    Self-nominations are permitted. Candidates may submit their own applications accompanied by two letters of support from qualifying nominators.

  • Contact Selection Committee Chair Lydia Snyder via emergingleaders@philanthropysummit.us for more information.

Application

Requirements

1. Letter of Interest (maximum 750 words)

Your letter should address:

  • Your Fundraising Journey: Describe your career progression in major gift fundraising, highlighting 2-3 significant accomplishments that demonstrate your impact and potential

  • Innovation in Practice: Provide a specific example of how you've introduced new thinking, approaches, or solutions to a fundraising challenge

  • Leadership Trajectory: Articulate your career goals and how you see yourself advancing to a chief development officer role

  • What You'll Contribute: Explain what you hope to learn at the Summit and how you'll apply these insights to advance philanthropy at your institution and in the field

2. Professional Portfolio Summary

Include brief details on:

  • The three largest gifts you have personally closed in your career: Provide the gift amount, purpose, and a brief description of your role in cultivating and securing each gift

  • Total philanthropic revenue raised in the last three (3) years

  • Scope of current responsibilities (portfolio size, team size if applicable, budget oversight)

  • Notable campaigns, initiatives, or programs you've led or contributed to significantly

3. Two Letters of Support

Required from individuals in the following positions who can speak to your qualifications, potential, and readiness for senior leadership:

  • Chief Development Officer (current or former)

  • Executive Director, President, or CEO of a 501(c)(3) organization

  • Board member of a 501(c)(3) organization

  • University Vice President or Dean (for those in higher education)

Letters should address:

  • The candidate's trajectory: A clear statement that the recommender believes the candidate is positioned to become a Chief Development Officer within the next five years

  • The candidate's demonstrated fundraising results and capabilities

  • Evidence of leadership potential and strategic capacity

  • Specific examples of innovation, strategic thinking, or exceptional donor relationship management

  • Why this candidate would benefit from and contribute to the Emerging Leaders in Advancement cohort

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on:

  1. Fundraising Excellence (40%): Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, building donor relationships, and achieving revenue goals

  2. Leadership Trajectory (25%): Clear pathway to CDO role, progression of responsibility, strategic involvement in institutional advancement

  3. Innovation & Impact (20%): Evidence of fresh thinking, creative problem-solving, or transformative approaches to fundraising challenges

  4. Field Contribution (15%): Commitment to mentoring others, advancing best practices, and elevating the profession of philanthropy

Program Benefits

Emerging Leaders in Advancement recipients receive:

  • Full registration waiver to the Innovations in Philanthropy Summit (valued at $3,000)

  • Access to all Summit sessions, including keynote addresses, panels, and networking events

  • Introduction and recognition during the Summit

  • Inclusion in the Emerging Leaders in Advancement cohort for networking and ongoing connection

  • Opportunity to engage directly with senior development officers, philanthropists, and nonprofit CEOs

Please note: Recipients are responsible for their own hotel and flight accommodations.