The FAO Schwarz Fellowship Program has officially opened applications for its 2026–2028 cohort, offering a significant opportunity for graduating college seniors who aspire to build impactful careers in the nonprofit and social innovation sectors.
Known for its strong emphasis on education equity, environmental engagement, arts access, and community-focused change, the fellowship continues to stand at the forefront of early-career development programs in the United States. Through two years of immersive, full-time work in leading nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to cultivate the next generation of socially committed leaders equipped to address pressing civic and societal challenges.
FAO Fellowship Package Plan
The fellowship provides an extensive compensation and development package designed to allow recipients to fully participate in their placement without financial strain. Fellows receive a competitive full-time salary over two years, totaling approximately $96,000 to $110,000 depending on the host organization and placement city. Compensation is structured to accommodate cost-of-living differences in host cities such as Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia.
Beyond salary, fellows benefit from comprehensive professional development that includes annual retreats, ongoing mentorship from experienced nonprofit leaders, strategic leadership training, and deep integration into a growing national alumni network. This combined support system ensures that fellows not only contribute meaningfully during their placements but also graduate from the program with a strong professional foundation for long-term impact.
Supported Programs and Teaching Language
The fellowship places selected candidates in high-impact nonprofit organizations working across a range of social-impact fields—youth literacy, educational equity, environmental stewardship, museum and cultural engagement, community development, public service innovation, and arts accessibility. Fellows engage in a hybrid role that blends direct service with strategic project work, ensuring both immediate community benefit and longer-term institutional growth.
All professional responsibilities, communication, training sessions, and developmental workshops connected to the program are delivered in English, reflecting the national scope and professional environment of the fellowship.
Eligibility Requirements
To secure a place in the FAO Schwarz Fellowship 2026–2028, applicants must step forward as graduating seniors from accredited four-year colleges, expected to complete their degrees between November 2025 and summer 2026. They must already hold full legal authorization to work in the United States for the entire two-year fellowship, as the program does not provide visa sponsorship.
Ideal candidates will bring a solid academic record, evidence of leadership roles, and a strong commitment to community engagement or service-driven initiatives. Above all, applicants must showcase a clear passion for social impact, nonprofit leadership, and meaningful mission-oriented work that aligns with the fellowship’s vision.
Application Process
The application cycle begins when the fellowship announces its host organizations and the specific positions available for the 2026–2028 cohort. Once the roles are published, applicants are required to submit their materials through the fellowship’s online application platform before the national deadline. The process includes submitting personal details, written responses to short-answer prompts, and a résumé.
After the submission period closes, the fellowship conducts an extensive review to identify applicants whose interests and experience align strongly with the host organizations. Selected candidates are invited to participate in interviews, and final fellowship offers are issued in the spring, with placements beginning in the summer of 2026.