ABOUT THE PIPER FELLOWS PROGRAM

The pressures of jobs in the nonprofit world are not different from stresses and demands of other key leadership roles in the private and public sectors. The Piper Fellows program acknowledges the never-ceasing demands of nonprofit leadership and provides opportunities for Valley leaders to retool, refresh and renew their skills.

Sabbaticals
Piper Fellowships give nonprofit professionals one month to two months of work-release time plus expenses for study and travel. The sabbatical can be taken all at once or divided into several smaller projects or programs. Fellow candidates are encouraged to explore educational and professional programs, best practice sites and thought leaders from across the nation.

The program offers a maximum of five awards up to $30,000 each to support the professional development of outstanding senior executives of 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Maricopa County. These leaders represent human services, health, education, arts and culture, and religion. Awards are made to an organization in recognition of an executive who has demonstrated both leadership and potential for a significant role in the organization’s future.

Staff Development
Recognizing the need to stimulate learning and exploration among the rest of the Fellow’s staff and board, the Trust provides $10,000 for staff and board professional development to each organization.

Organizational Award
Piper Fellows also are eligible to apply for up to $50,000 for a Piper Organizational Enhancement Award during the sabbatical or within six months of completing it. The grant program is intended to link learnings during the fellowship year to addressing one of the major opportunities or challenges facing the Fellow’s organization.