About the PLACES Alum Mentoring Program
The PLACES Alum Mentoring Program is a new initiative designed by members of the PLACES Alum Leadership Network, with the purpose of providing continuing professional development and leadership support to PLACES Alums. It is also part of TFN’s ongoing commitment to create generations of courageous philanthropic leaders who are engaged, emboldened and equipped to bring about a just society.
We understand that peer connection and support can be powerful tools to overcome the compounding challenges that our sector leaders are facing, especially in times of crisis and uncertainty. That is why we are tapping into the collective wisdom of our alum network, as PLACES fellows share the unique experience of going through the fellowship program, understanding the power of trust-based relationships and community.
PLACES Alums can apply to be either a mentor or a mentee, and through this program, they will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with one another as they explore leadership opportunities, identify pathways to expand their professional impact, and deepen their connections within the philanthropic sector and beyond.
Apply to be a mentee if you’re looking to:
- Build social connections with your mentor and expand your sectoral connections
- Benefit from professional and career development resources
- Build confidence through peer support
- Reflect on professional goals and challenges to advance career achievements
- Deepen your knowledge of innovative strategies in addressing place-based issues of inequity that hinder opportunities to thrive.
Apply to be a mentor if you’re looking to:
- Give back to the PLACES alum network and build new relationships with alums
- Support the development of the next generation of leaders who are working to bring about change with equity at the forefront
- Further develop your mentoring and leadership skills
- Share lived and worked experiences that help others to advance in their goals
Mentor eligibility: Mentors must be at least 35 years of age with over 10 years of professional experience to be eligible to participate in the program. Previous mentoring experience is not required.
Commitment & Support
- The commitment to participate in the mentoring program is flexible, which allows for mentors and mentees to meet virtually or in-person.
- Mentors and mentees will set up a meeting schedule that fits their own capacity, needs, and availability.
- We highly encourage participants to meet regularly, however, in a frequency that feels appropriate to both mentor and mentee.
- Mentors and mentees will also commit to completing short feedback surveys throughout their engagement in the mentoring program.
- Mentors will receive resources and support from TFN staff and PLACES Leadership Network members to ensure they feel prepared to lead sessions with their mentees.
Review and Pairing Process
Applications will be reviewed by the TFN PLACES team on a rolling basis and will remain open until further notice. Please allow two to four weeks for us to review your application and match you with a mentor/mentee. Applicants will be notified via email by a member of the PLACES Team.
In the application, mentees will have the opportunity to share important factors that they think we should consider when pairing them with a mentor. Factors can include identities, geography, sector type, career goals, years of professional experience, etc. Both mentors and mentees also get to share in the application relevant aspects of their lived experience and/or identity they feel could be helpful for pairing.
For more information or inquiries, email the PLACES Team at places@fundersnetwork.org
TFN Program Liability Waiver:
Participants hereby assume all of the risks of participating in this program, and waive, release and discharge TFN and its directors, board members, officers, and employees from any and all liability. Attendees agree to indemnify, hold harmless, and promise not to sue the entities or persons mentioned above from any and all liabilities or claims made as a result of participation in this activity or event.