Newman’s Own Foundation Fellowship (NOF) Program Overview
The Newman’s Own Foundation (NOF) Fellowship program is a 12 month paid* Fellowship for recent college graduates** that are interested in the nonprofit/philanthropic sector and are committed to using their skills and talents to roll up their sleeves, “do good”, and be a part of organizations that work for the common good. Fellows spend the Fellowship year working at a nonprofit/philanthropic organization where they will gain a greater and deeper understanding of the nonprofit sector and how best to use their individual passion and skills to give back whether they pursue a future career in the nonprofit or for profit sector. The Fellowship also includes an enrichment program that brings the cohort of NOF Fellows together for workshops 4-5 times a year in Westport, CT.
*The current stipend is $38,000 + $1500 relocation stipend for Fellows who are moving from one city to another.
** Applicants must be college seniors with a 3.0 GPA at a 4 year institution graduating in May 2019. Maximum age is 25.
Key Components of the NOF Fellowship:
Hands on Learning Experience
NOF Fellows are placed for a 1-year period at a nonprofit host organization to work on a specific program / project that aligns with the host organization’s mission and strategic plan.
Each Fellow will work on a specific team, be assigned a supervisor, and have opportunities to engage with the leadership team of each organization. In addition, the NOF Fellow, in conjunction with his/her supervisor, will identify professional development opportunities throughout the year related to the sector and work of the host organization. Please note that the positions are entry- level positions, do not require in depth experience or expertise in a specific field, and will involve some level of administrative work. The host organizations are selected from Newman’s Own portfolio of grantees and are working in the following focus areas: food and nutrition, empowerment, children with life-limiting illnesses, and encouraging philanthropy. Current and past host organizations include The Resolution Project (NY, NY), Re Center (Hartford, CT), Net Impact (Oakland, CA), United Philanthropy Forum (Washington, DC), Women’s Business Development Center (Chicago, IL), Wholesome Wave (Bridgeport, CT), Hispanics in Philanthropy (Oakland, CA), Propeller (New Orleans, LA), and Institute for Veteran and Military Families (Syracuse, NY).
Enrichment Program – Personal and Professional Development
The NOF Fellowship Enrichment program is a blend of in person and virtual workshops that focus on the personal and professional development of each Fellow. Fellows come together at NOF’s headquarters in Westport, CT approximately five times during the Fellowship year for workshops designed in conjunction with nonprofit and philanthropic professionals and experts. Sample workshop topics include, transition from college to work, self-empowerment, effective communication, managing up, and defining your purpose.
Community
The NOF Fellowship brings together a cohort of diverse young leaders from different backgrounds, work and life experiences, sexual orientation, geography, that together create a community of feedback, learning, exchange of ideas , encouragement, and support. Through team building and social activities that are integrated into the in person workshops the Fellows develop a strong community that is invested in the growth, development and success of each Fellow. Fellows learn with and from each other and form a tight-knit cohort of highly motivated learners, many of whom become part of a long-term professional and personal relationship/network.
All past Fellows cite the community they build with their cohort as one of the most rewarding aspects of the Fellowship.
“Perhaps most importantly, I gained a new family through my fellowship cohort—incredibly determined, passionate, do-gooders seeking to effect change in the world; people I still turn to today in times of turmoil and triumph.” Lea Trusty, 2016-2017 NOF Fellow currently Program Associate at Democracy Fund. “
In addition, all Fellows become part of the Newman’s Own family with access to our network and resources.
Newman’s Own Fellows Selection Criteria
- College student graduating in May 2019, from 4 – year program; maximum of 25 years old at time of graduation.
- Strong interest in nonprofit/philanthropic sector, public service, community development or social justice.
- Track record as an energetic self-starter able to work with minimal supervision who is able to work independently and approach challenges with a high degree of creativity, resourcefulness, and adaptability.
- Passionate about furthering personal and professional development through
- experiential hands-on learning.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with experience working successfully as part of a team.
- Strong written, communications, analytical, and presentation skills.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Demonstrated leadership role (e.g. founder of a non-profit, student government roles, captain of a sports team, etc.).
- Desire to learn and grow as part of a Fellowship cohort.
All candidates should embrace and embody the Foundation’s core values:
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- Serious Fun – We take our work seriously but not ourselves.
- Freedom to Dream – We are a creative and inclusive idea factory that can respond and adapt quickly.
- Common Purpose – We treasure the virtuous circle of Newman’s Own.
- Trust & Respect – We trust and respect each other and those with whom we work.
- Quality – We execute with excellence and the highest level of ethics and integrity.
About Newman’s Own Foundation
Newman’s Own Foundation (NOF) is an independent, private foundation formed in 2005 by Paul Newman to sustain the legacy of his philanthropic work. The Foundation believes that each of us, through the power of philanthropy, has the potential to make a difference. Since 1982, when Paul Newman first declared, “Let’s give it all away,” more than $500 million has been donated to thousands of nonprofit organizations helping people in need around the world. Funded entirely through the profits and royalties of Newman’s Own products, the Foundation does not maintain an endowment, raise funds, or accept donations. The Foundation focuses on four key areas of impact: encouraging philanthropy, children with life-limiting conditions, empowerment, and nutrition. For more information about the organization, please visit www.newmansownfoundation.org/