Fed Fellows FAQs
What is Fed Fellows?
Fed Fellows is a 15-month program that partners emerging leaders in the Bay Area Jewish community with boards and committees of community organizations and the Federation. The cohort of up to 20 Fed Fellows connects and learns together through workshops, site visits (virtual for now), and social gatherings.
Who participates in Fed Fellows?
The program is open to anyone who displays an interest in Jewish communal leadership and a desire to make an impact. Fed Fellows lead with curiosity, want to build their network, and are ready to share their voice and skills. We recognize that the Jewish community is diverse in a multitude of ways and that leadership and programs don't often reflect that diversity. We are making strides to be an organization representative of our communities and encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply.
Eligible fellowship candidates:
- Are 25 – 40 years old
- Live and/or work in the Bay Area
- Exhibit leadership traits in their personal, professional, or volunteer life
- Are interested in nonprofit leadership processes and roles
- Enjoy a collaborative environment
- Do not need past board experience
Which organizations host Fed Fellows, and what is expected of them?
Organizations of all sizes that are seeking new voices and perspectives in their leadership can host Fed Fellows, based on mutual interest. Hosts invite Fed Fellows to an onboarding orientation, identify a mentor for the Fed Fellow, and have a check-in with Dona Standel semi-annually. Sometimes, the host experience will be more passive to the Fed Fellow, and other times very hands-on. We provide coaching for the Fed Fellows and the organizations to manage expectations to ensure a mutually enriching experience.
How much does it cost to participate?
While the Federation invests significant dollars in the Fed Fellows program, it comes at no cost to participants nor the hosting organizations. Instead, we hope and expect that all participants contribute a personally meaningful gift to the annual campaign. Through your experience in the Fed Fellows program, you'll be able to learn first-hand about our community's dollars at work. By committing our dollars and impact to developing leaders, we hope to ensure a resilient and secure Jewish future.
Where will we meet?
Fed Fellows will continue to meet virtually until further notice. Depending on personal comfort levels, local ordinance, and safety, participants are encouraged to initiate informal in-person gatherings!
What is the time commitment, and when do we meet?
As a Fed Fellow, you’ll meet together with your cohort for monthly weeknight workshops, usually from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Additionally, participants take on the schedule of board or committee meetings of their host placement, which happen as often as monthly and as rarely as quarterly. If your host has quarterly meetings, we find that a Fed Fellow’s experience is made more meaningful when they accept a committee placement as well. All that said, a Fed Fellow commits approximately 10 hours a month.
What happens if I cannot attend a session?
We know that life can get hectic and that things come up, and we respect and embrace your whole self in Fed Fellows. Know that while there is no penalty for absence, the integrity of the cohort experience and the fellowship do depend on your full presence. Each person really is invaluable in our intentions to build a cohort, and you benefit from the program as much as you put in!
What is the selection process and timeline?
Applications for the 2023-24 cohort will be accepted through May 8, 2023. Applicants will next be invited for a virtual interview with staff. After a delicate and intentional selection process, you will be notified of your acceptance or invited to participate in other community leadership opportunities. The 2023-24 Fed Fellows cohort will be announced by the end of May 2023.
