Leadership Development

Piper Fellows: Eligibility Guidelines

Who is Eligible?

Executives with significant responsibilities for the programmatic or operational activities of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or a governmental agency serving the areas of human services, healthcare, education, religion, or arts and culture in Maricopa County may apply. Executives from organizations classified as a private foundation under Section 509(a) are not eligible.

Individual candidates for this program should:

  • Be outstanding executives who have a demonstrated track record of leadership within their organization and service to the community.
  • Hold primary or significant responsibility for the management of the organization's programs and funds.
  • Have worked a minimum of ten years in the nonprofit sector, though not necessarily for a single organization, without significant leave for professional development.
  • Be a full-time employee of the applicant organization.

The candidate's employing organization should:

  • Be a 501(c)(3) organization or governmental agency that has provided services primarily within Maricopa County for at least 10 years in the areas of human services, health, education, religion, or arts and culture.
  • Fully support the candidate's request for a minimum one month leave to participate in the Fellows program and submit a work plan for organizational management during the candidate's absence and upon the candidate's return.
  • Guarantee all benefits and continue full-time employee status of the candidate during the period of leave.
    Be able to sustain regular operations during the candidate's absence.

Other requirements:

  • The release time should be completed within twelve months of the award notification date.
  • Candidates completing the Piper Fellows program are required to send a written report to the Piper Trust within three months of completion of the award period. The report must include a detailed account of both funds expended and the experiences and activities during the release period and how those experiences and activities will help them better serve the mission of their organization.
  • Piper Fellows will agree to participate in periodic "alumni" activities to build upon their experience as Fellows, to continue to foster their professional development, and to stimulate the potential for collaboration and cooperation among the Fellows' organizations.
  • Fellows will commit to mentor at least one staff member in their recipient organization during the following twelve months.

For more information about the Piper Fellows program, download the Piper Fellows Brochure.

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