Skip to content

Learning communities

Change Leaders In Philanthropy Fellowship

The Change Leaders in Philanthropy Fellowship (CLIPF) is an intensive peer cohort program for senior leaders who are responsible for developing and guiding change efforts in their organizations. Senior leaders at GEO member organizations apply to participate in this fellowship, which includes peer learning, coaching and community building. CLIPF is one of many ways GEO equips leaders at all levels of philanthropic organizations to stay rooted in their values and missions while responding to changing contexts.

About the Community

This fellowship began as part of GEO’s larger Leading Change in Philanthropy initiative and is a response to requests from senior leaders in the sector seeking support, resources and guidance on how to lead equitable organizational change. The goal of the program is to develop a community of practice where senior leaders find coaching, resources and peer support to implement transformative change within their grantmaking institutions in ways that advance equity and support thriving nonprofits and communities.

CLIPF is designed for senior leaders at grantmaking institutions who have organization-wide authority and have been expressly entrusted with leading significant organizational change. Fellows typically report to an executive director, president or CEO and have direct authority over changes to organizational strategy, culture and/or philanthropic practice.

Executive directors, presidents and CEOs are not eligible for the fellowship.

CLIPF is an intensive learning community that relies on the active, ongoing engagement of all fellows. The 2027 fellowship runs from January–November and includes virtual orientation and launch sessions; three three-day, in-person retreats; and at least 90 minutes every other week during six months between retreats for peer exchange and coaching, check-ins, reflection and change management work.

The 2027 program fee is based on your organization’s annual grantmaking budget:

  • $12,500 for organizations with annual grantmaking of $50 million or more
  • $9,500 for organizations with annual grantmaking between $25 million and $49 million
  • $6,500 for organizations with annual grantmaking between $5 million and $24 million
  • $3,500 for organizations with annual grantmaking of $4 million or less

GEO membership is required throughout the fellowship. Fellows are also responsible for travel and lodging expenses associated with the three in-person retreats. The fellowship does not offer reduced fees or scholarships.

Applications for the 2027 Change Leaders in Philanthropy Fellowship (CLIPF) are now closed.

Interested in joining the 2028 cohort? Complete our interest form to be notified when applications open in fall 2027.

Want to learn more about the fellowship? Watch the recording of our September 28 informational webinar to hear from program facilitators and former fellows about the fellowship’s goals, structure and expectations.

Featured Events & News

See all Events See all Resources