Beginning in 2025, Santa Fe Hestia Fund (SFHF), a component fund of the Santa Fe Community Foundation, is providing a 2-year membership scholarship to young Santa Fe women interested in developing knowledge about how philanthropy happens in Santa Fe and how to become involved. One fellow will be chosen in 2025 to increase the number of fellows as the program grows.
Program Goals and Benefits:
The overall purpose of the Fellowship Program is to:
- Encourage younger and more diverse women in Santa Fe to become involved in philanthropy by offering an entry-level training and incentive program
- Nurture a pipeline of visionary and diverse leaders
- Foster connections and engagements in collective philanthropy within Santa Fe
- Apply members’ expertise and perspectives to further SFHF’s mission and goals
- Develop philanthropists who will invest in the Santa Fe community
- Strengthen and enhance the bonds between SFHF and local nonprofit and educational organizations
- Provide an opportunity for mutual learning exchange
The program benefits for Fellows include:
- An improved understanding of women’s philanthropy in Santa Fe County
- An in-depth understanding of the grantmaking process within a giving circle
- Improved understanding of community needs and the work of other nonprofits and educational systems in the region
- Personal and professional growth and an expanded professional network
- Opportunities to meet and interact with other nonprofit professionals
- Increased understanding of nonprofit/foundation governance
- Exposure – SFHF will spotlight Fellowship members on website and social media
- Fully funded two-year membership
- Access to SFHF events and activities
- Ability to participate in SFHF grant process including proposal reviews and site visits
- Mentorship via a one-on-one mentor
Eligibility to Apply:
Appropriate applicants for Hestia Fellow will be local women, 25-40 years of age, with an interest in philanthropy that is in line with SFHF mission. Current employees of any Santa Fe nonprofit organization are encouraged to apply for SFHF Fellowships. We welcome employees, including teachers and volunteers, in middle school programs. Prospective Fellowship Members must be able to meet the requirements as detailed below, and applications must have the support of their current supervisor if applicable.
A potential Fellow will need to have flexibility and control of their schedule to participate fully in the program and to attend meetings and events during the workday. A Fellow must be able to commit approximately 5-10 hours per month to SFHF activities.
Mid-level professionals in all specialty areas (Education, Development, Marketing, Finance, Operations, etc.) are encouraged to apply. Staff in each of these areas can contribute to SFHF and benefit from the experience in a myriad of ways.
What we are looking for:
- A young woman (25-40 years of age) from Santa Fe County
- Documented interest in local philanthropy
- Committed to full participation for the program’s two-year duration
- Dedicated and seeking growth
- Individuals eager to support SFHF’s mission
Expectations of Fellows:
- Commit to two years in the program. The first year will focus on training and the second year on more responsibility within the organization
- Be a member on at least one committee and perform some service duties to that committee such as note taking or communications
- Exempt from financial commitment to Hestia during the Fellowship period.
- Attend regular SFHF meetings and participate in at least two site visits each year
- Active/ongoing participation in the grant evaluation process, and
educational and social events - Commit to a minimum of 5-10 hours per month
- The Fellowship Director will determine the specifics of the Fellow’s commitment to Hestia in conjunction with the Fellow, and the details will be contained in a letter of agreement signed by each.
Fellowship Evaluations:
At the end of the first and second year, Fellowship Members will complete evaluations to improve the Fellowship experience. At the end of the first year and at the discretion of the Fellowship Committee, the second year may not be funded if the fellow has been unable to fulfill membership expectations.
Transitional Membership:
After the two-year Fellowship period, a Fellow is permitted to have two “transitional membership years” at half of the regular membership rate.
Fellowship Application
PLEASE READ THE SFHF FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM OVERVIEW BEFORE APPLYING.
Pay close attention to the “Expectation of Fellows.” This program is intended for women from 25 to 40 who are early—to mid-career professionals. Applicants should have flexibility in their current schedules to meet the fellowship’s needs. Please see our website, https://hestiasantafe.org, for more information about our Giving Circle.