BOSTON – September 8, 2025 The FAO Schwarz Fellowship has announced an increase in compensation for the 2026-2028 cohort of Fellows.

Fellows will receive between $96,000-110,000 over the course of the two-year Fellowship, depending on the host organization they join.

In Boston and New York City, Fellows will receive a $52,000 in their first year (includes $2,000 start-of-Fellowship bonus) and $58,000 in their second year (includes $3,000 end-of-Fellowship bonus). 

In Philadelphia, at Audubon Mid-Atlantic, Fellows will receive $47,000 in their first year (includes $2,000 start-of-Fellowship bonus) and $53,000 in their second year (includes end-of-Fellowship bonus). 

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Fellows will receive $47,441 in their first year and $48,864 in their second year. 

Compensation for Boston and New York City-based Fellows will be slightly higher than those of Philadelphia Fellows due to the cost of living differences between the cities.

Fellows will also receive the same benefits as entry-level employees at their host organization, which may include health insurance, 401k or 403b matching options, and more. Fellows will also participate in a four-day fall and four-day spring professional development retreats facilitated by the Fellowship which rotate among the three cities.

Compensation is funded by the host organizations and the FAO Schwarz Family Foundation.

“Each year, we conduct a review of benchmarking data in the Fellowship’s three cities. Based on what we learn, we adjust our compensation as needed to ensure that Fellows receive a living wage, good benefits, and impactful leadership training,” said Priscilla Cohen, Executive Director of the FAO Schwarz Family Foundation. “The FAO Schwarz Fellowship program is committed to ensuring that Fellowship compensation is competitive with similar distinguished fellowships.”