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.
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."
Jordy Owen
Director of Multimedia and E- learning Technologies at Children’s Literacy Initiative, Philadelphia | FAO Schwarz Fellow at Children’s Literacy Initiative | 2008
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
Check out FAO Schwarz Fellowship recent graduate Nick Mitch’s interview on ProFellow! Nick wrapped up his Fellowship in 2020 at Riverkeeper New York and will
Since finishing my two-year FAO Schwarz Fellowship in August 2017, I have stayed on at Riverkeeper continuing in my role as Outreach Coordinator. While in