
July 2018 – Present
Fellows Program
The Purpose
Strengthening the Impact
Through a collaboration with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, The Patterson Foundation Fellows Program provides graduates of the world’s first school dedicated solely to the study and teaching of philanthropy with a year-long career-building opportunity to immerse in innovative philanthropic principles while working on a wide range of initiatives.. Through the Fellows Program, The Patterson Foundation aspires to create a network of future leaders aligned in their innovative approach to philanthropy.
Current Fellows
Launched Fellows
FAQ's
Why does The Patterson Foundation offer the Fellows Program?
The Patterson Foundation strengthens the efforts of people, organizations, and communities by focusing on issues that address mutual aspirations, foster wide participation, and encourage learning and sharing. The Patterson Foundation believes that creating a network of future philanthropic leaders who have the willingness, capacity, and foresight to incorporate innovative strategies for long-term change is both an opportunity and a responsibility with considerable impact. Furthermore, working with philanthropic leaders versed in leading-edge innovations facilitates The Patterson Foundation’s continued learning and sharing of best practices in philanthropy.
Why is The Patterson Foundation collaborating with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy?
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is the first school dedicated solely to the study and teaching of philanthropy. Since its inception, it has demonstrated a commitment to training and empowering students and practitioners to innovate and lead to create positive and lasting change in the world. This includes its growing master’s program offering students a mix of theory and practice.
What does The Patterson Foundation Fellows Program offer?
- A one-year experience for talented early career professionals interested in working in community, corporate, or private foundations
- A career-building opportunity to learn from The Patterson Foundation while sharing the fellows' expertise and ideas
- A structured engagement with initiatives and operations through a mix of learning and action objectives
- One-to-one mentoring
- Access to a network of innovative philanthropic leaders
- Continued connection to TPF Fellows through the TPF Beyond alumni network
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Be a graduate of the Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies degree program from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and interested in a career in community, corporate, or private foundations
- Be able to reside in Sarasota, Florida, summer 2024 – summer 2025
- Have legal authorization to work in the United States (i.e., a U.S. citizen, a noncitizen national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in accordance with USCIS Form I-9)
What assignments and experiences will the fellows receive?
Fellows will be immersed in specific initiatives based on shared interests and The Patterson Foundation's approach to philanthropy. The assignments produce close relationships with local community foundations and other organizations. The Patterson Foundation’s initiatives include international, national, state, and regional initiatives in education, aging, health, disaster recovery, inspiring philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, and strategic communications. Learn more about The Patterson Foundation’s initiatives.
What impact has the Fellows Program had to date?
Since its inception in 2018, The Patterson Foundation has hosted four cohorts of graduates from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy through the Fellows Program. Each Fellows cohort has had the opportunity to work within The Patterson Foundation’s initiatives while strengthening their own capacity as leaders in philanthropy.
Through illuminating examples, three [now launched] TPF Fellows share humbling moments of growth while striving to create the future they imagine with the support of their TPF family.
How will TPF Fellows continue to strengthen their impact through connection with each other?
Where is The Patterson Foundation located? Where are Fellows based?
Learn more about the Sarasota area at: