The Search is On for PNY’s Next Public Policy Fellow
by Ronna Brown, president of Philanthropy New York
It’s not enough to assert that there’s a need for more diversity, equity and inclusion in philanthropy. Many of our sector’s leaders are actively pursuing new strategies in hiring and grantmaking. And that’s why so many of our members have been so supportive of PNY’s Public Policy Fellowship program.
The fellowship deepens the pipeline for future grantmakers by introducing early-career professionals of diverse backgrounds to the field of philanthropy, recognizing that diversity comes in many forms: race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, socio-economic background, physical ability and other lived experiences that shape people’s perspectives.
This is the time of year when we ask each of you to help us get the word out about the fellowship and the deadline for application: March 17. Please spread the word by sharing the Fellowship link to any graduating or recently graduated students of Masters or higher-level programs in public policy, government, social work and related fields. Because we know how important policy and communications work are to our field, we are delighted to also consider graduates of programs in journalism and communication.
Stephanie Chrispin, our inaugural fellow who is nearing the end of her two-year tenure, said, “The fellowship really refines fellows’ public communications and advocacy muscles – skills that folks wouldn’t necessarily get in a graduate program. The exposure to the field is terrific.”
Stephanie and her colleague Shiza Pasha, who began her fellowship this past summer, are deeply immersed in supporting the work of PNY’s Education Working Group, Funders for Gender Equity, Health Working Group, International Grantmakers Network, the Committee for Equity and Inclusion in Philanthropy and a new ad hoc group of funders working on justice reform. We thoroughly integrate them into all of PNY’s communications and public policy work.
One thing we know from our experiences with the first two fellows: This is an unparalleled learning and networking opportunity for early-career professionals. The fellowship is best for candidates who really have deep curiosity about the field of philanthropy and a commitment to working on multiple levels and multiple projects, all in service to our members seeking to make real change in the world.
If you know someone who might fit the bill, please direct them to the Fellowship page on our website and encourage them to apply.
We look forward to welcoming our next Public Policy Fellow this summer!