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About The Fellowship

Each year a new cohort of FAO Schwarz Fellows begins paid, two-year assignments with leading nonprofit organizations

FAO Schwarz Fellows work at high-impact nonprofit organizations in Boston, New York City and Philadelphia. These organizations are all deeply valued in their communities and have a strong record of delivering consistent results and high-quality services. Host organizations vary from year to year—and all have a proven commitment to addressing critical issues of social inequity.

Fellows deepen their knowledge and understanding of relevant social issues, work directly with host communities, and lead strategic projects that strengthen the host organization’s capacity and impact.

A person speaking in front of a crowd in a cafeteria

Professional Development, Mentoring and Networks

The FAO Schwarz Fellowship is committed to investing in the professional development of our Fellows through a structured program of retreats, professional trainings, and mentoring.

Fellows attend two four-day leadership retreats each year to learn about the social impact sector, develop critical skills and build relationships with—and learn from—current and alumni FAO Schwarz fellows. 

For many Fellows, these retreats are one of the highlights of their experience. 

In addition to one-on-one weekly meetings with a supervisor, every Fellow has two mentors who offer support and guidance over the course of their Fellowship. Fellows also join a valuable network of current and alumni Fellows as well as leaders from host organizations.

After two years, Fellows are well prepared for successful careers in the social impact sector.

"I still talk about the Fellowship to this day and about how it exposed me to a whole different side of non-profits and outreach that I would never have seen in my first five years of work after college, much less my first year."
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Jordy Owen
Director of Multimedia and E- learning Technologies at Children’s Literacy Initiative, Philadelphia | FAO Schwarz Fellow at Children’s Literacy Initiative | 2008
Former fellow Claudia speaks at a fellow retreat

Compensation

Fellows who start their Fellowship during the summer of 2023 will receive total compensation of approximately $85,000  plus benefits over the two-year Fellowship.
  • $40,000 in year one ( includes $2,000 start of Fellowship bonus)
  • $45,000 in year two (includes $3,000 end of Fellowship bonus)
  • Health insurance coverage (100%—approximate value $12,000/year)*
  • Monthly subway pass (approximate value $1,200/year)
  • Professional development & leadership training

* Fellows are responsible for co-pays and expenses not covered by insurance.

What Fellows Do

  • Engage in direct service work with youth
  • Play an active role in special project work
  • Attend Fellowship professional development retreats
  • Explore social equity issues
  • Receive individual mentoring and support
  • Participate in the Fellowship cohort experience
  • Engage with other social impact leaders
  • Explore careers in the social impact sector

Reflections on the Fellowship