Piper Fellows Program

Priorities > Nonprofit Support > Piper Fellows

2026 Piper Fellows Applications are closed.

The Piper Fellows Application Process will be conducted in two Phases as follows:

Phase 1

Submit Phase 1 Application, Organization Endorsement, and Resume.

Phase 1 Application Deadline: June 26, 2026

Phase 2

The top qualifying applicants will be invited to submit the Phase 2 Application which consists of providing more detail and budget information on the proposed Fellowship plan ($30,000 grant), proposed plan and budget for the Board/Staff component of the Piper Fellowship ($10,000), and overall outcome intentions.

The Piper Fellows Program acknowledges the never-ceasing demands of nonprofit leadership and offers the opportunity for nonprofit leaders to reach, retool, and revitalize. A Piper Fellowship offers the potential for up to $90,000 in grant funding to a Fellow’s organization.

Professional Development

Piper Trust offers Fellowship awards of $30,000 (maximum) via an annual application and selection process to support professional development for outstanding leaders of nonprofit charity/501(c)(3) organizations serving Maricopa County.

Study and Travel

A Piper Fellow’s personally designed “professional development plan” can be taken all at once or divided into several time periods or dates and is based on what is best for the organization. Fellowship plans encompass activities such as participating in educational and professional programs, visiting model organization/program sites, and meeting with thought leaders across the nation (travel limited to North America).

Applied Learnings

A Piper Fellowship also includes a $10,000 grant award for staff and board development and eligibility for the Fellow’s organization to apply for a Piper Fellows Organizational Enhancement Award (grant) of up to $50,000 within six months of Fellowship completion. Fellowships and grant-related Fellowship awards are contingent upon the Fellow’s continued employment at the organization.