Equity Through Development

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Changing the face of philanthropy in Western New York.

If you’re a woman of color starting your career in fundraising, you’re invited to take part in YWCA’s Equity through Development. We’ve assembled an impressive team of local experts who champion equity and bring a wealth of knowledge on how to succeed in the nonprofit world.

This free 12-week program is designed to remove barriers and empower women of color to succeed in this traditionally white profession. Each week, experienced fundraising professionals will deliver an array of powerful sessions covering topics essential to your success. Throughout our time together, you will apply the lessons learned to a real world fundraising project for your own organization. But you won’t have to go it alone. A mentor will help guide you and provide one-on-one feedback throughout the entire program and beyond.

Interested? Apply to become an apprentice in our next cohort today!

Here’s what you need to know:

  • The program will take place on Wednesdays, 12pm-1:30pm, March 8-May 24. (There will not be a program on Wednesday, April 5.)
  • The majority of the programs will be delivered via zoom. However, May 3 and May 24 will be held in person in Rochester, NY.
  • As an apprentice, you will receive a stipend for your time, as well as a tablet to access the zoom presentations, a one-year membership to Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), a formal head shot, and a consultation with Dress for Success.
  • Each apprentice will complete a real-world fundraising project for the organization of your choice. If you are not associated with a nonprofit yet, we will help you identify a project.
Apply Today

Space is limited to 8 apprentices. Anyone interested is encouraged to apply by February 15, 2023. All applicants will be notified no later than February 28, 2023 as to their placement.

Questions? Contact Kim Smith, Director of Development, at kssmith@ywcarochester.org or 585-368-2260.

We graciously acknowledge EY, NY Funders Alliance, and several individual donors who have generously underwritten the expense of this program.