The New York Community Trust Graduate Student Philanthropy Fellowships (2026–2027)
The New York Community Trust — New York’s largest community foundation and a national leader in philanthropy — invites full-time graduate students to apply for its prestigious Graduate Student Philanthropy Fellowships. These one-year, paid fellowships offer hands-on experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors and provide an exceptional pathway for emerging professionals seeking to understand how grantmaking works from the inside.
Each year, The Trust selects a cohort of fellows who work with its Program, Marketing & Communications, Donor Relations, and Legal teams. Fellows leave with a deep understanding of philanthropy, nonprofit ecosystems, and the complex relationships between grantors and grantees.
About the Fellowship Program
Fellows work full-time in summer (35 hours/week) and part-time during the academic year (15–20 hours/week) while remaining enrolled in a full-time graduate program. Compensation is $25 per hour, and fellows benefit from paid federal holidays, sick leave, and additional paid Trust office closure days. Positions are based in New York City, with hybrid and remote options built into the schedule.
Applications open in January 2026 and close February 25, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET).
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be enrolled full-time in a relevant graduate program for the full fellowship year
- Already have authorization to work in the U.S. (The Trust does not sponsor visas)
- Commit to the full fellowship term: June 1, 2026 – May 2027
- Apply to only one fellowship position
Fellowships are learning-focused and not designed as entry-level pathways into permanent employment at The Trust.
Fellowship Tracks
1. Lorie A. Slutsky Philanthropy Fellow (1 Position)
Hosted in the Office of the General Counsel, this fellowship explores sector-wide issues, including:
- Donor-advised fund (DAF) policy
- Philanthropic trends
- Cross-departmental initiatives
- Legal and administrative analysis
- Support for collaborative funds
Ideal applicants:
- Law students or candidates with strong legal research/writing skills
- Students interested in the intersection of policy, philanthropy, and nonprofit law
2. Marketing & Communications Fellow (1 Position)
This role supports The Trust’s communications and storytelling work through:
- Social media and video content
- Press outreach and event promotion
- Research on communications tools
- Writing for digital and print platforms
- Website/UX accessibility projects
Ideal applicants:
- Strong writers and communicators
- Candidates with skills in photography, videography, or digital design
3. Program Fellows (3 Positions)
Program Fellows work directly with grantmaking staff across areas such as:
- Arts & Culture
- Health & Behavioral Health
- Environment
- Gender Equity
- Civic Affairs
- Youth Development
- Animal Welfare
- Workforce Development
- Community Development
- Social Justice
Fellows gain hands-on experience through:
- Reviewing proposals and grantee reports
- Attending site visits
- Drafting grant recommendations
- Monitoring grantee performance
Ideal applicants:
- Strong writers and researchers
- Students with academic backgrounds linked to The Trust’s funding areas
Compensation & Work Structure
- $25/hour
- 35 hours/week (June–August 2026)
- 15–20 hours/week (Sept 2026 – May 2027)
- Paid holidays and sick leave
- One paid office closure week (Aug 31–Sep 4, 2026)
- In-person work with flexible remote options
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via Paylocity, The Trust’s HR system.
Deadline: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET).
Applicants must upload:
- Resume
- Cover letter (indicate program area for Program Fellow applicants)
- Writing sample (500–1,500 words, solely authored)
- All documents combined into a single PDF
Note: Applicants may apply to only one fellowship track. If deemed a better fit elsewhere, applications may be internally shared with other hiring teams.
About The New York Community Trust
For over a century, The Trust has shaped philanthropy in the region, pioneering donor-advised funds and supporting landmark initiatives across:
- Education
- Health and mental health
- Arts and culture
- Environment and climate
- Social justice
- Immigrant communities
- Citywide resilience
In 2025 alone, The Trust distributed nearly 11,000 grants totaling $230 million, continuing its legacy of improving civic and cultural life in NYC, Long Island, and Westchester.
Commitment to Diversity
The Trust is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility (DEIBA). Applicants from historically underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
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