Mentorship
Welcome to the Mentoring Program
We’re so glad you are considering this next step in your career advancement. The AFP CF Chapter Mentorship Program is built on relationships, shared learning and a genuine commitment to growth. Whether you desire to be in the Mentorship Program as an emerging professional to seek advice from a seasoned fundraising professional, or you are that seasoned professional looking to give back to the field and also learn a fresh perspective and/or new technology from your mentee, we would welcome your participation in our program! Should you have any questions please contact our Chapter Mentorship Program Chair, Kimberlee Riley, CAP® at kriley@seniorsfirstinc.org.
PROGRAM GOALS
In advancing philanthropy through education, training, advocacy and professional relationships, the AFP Central Florida Chapter aspires to the following:
- To promote collegial relationships between seasoned and emerging professionals.
- To assist fundraising/philanthropy professionals in developing a network for professional guidance and innovation.
- To strengthen the Emerging Professional’s skills and confidence through identification and focus on specific areas of practice.
- To enhance the professional abilities of both the Emerging and Seasoned Professionals through shared effort and exchange of knowledge and sharing of skills.
- To enhance leadership capacity and succession in the chapter and broader community sector.
- To strengthen networks across organization, sectors and career stages.
- To offer an adaptable, responsive and accountable program.
- To promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) by creating accessible mentoring opportunities.
- To encourage a culture of mutual learning with mentors growing as leaders and mentees growing as professionals and both contributing to sector-wide excellence.
- To respect confidentiality.
- To promote fun through shared experience and practice.
TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
We welcome professionals who are curious and eager to invest time in their own development while contributing to the strength of our professional community. Whether you are a seasoned leader looking to give back or an emerging professional seeking guidance, this program is designed to be meaningful, supportive and impactful for everyone involved. To ensure a high-quality experience for all engaged, we ask that those interested in participating meet a few eligibility guidelines and commit to being fully present throughout the program. These expectations are not intended to be barriers, but rather a foundation for trust, consistency and successful mentoring relationships.
The Mentorship Program duration is 9 months (March – November). We expect the Mentee (Emerging Professional) to assume responsibility for organizing the meeting schedules while the meeting content can be planned collaboratively. We expect Mentors (Seasoned Professionals) to be candid with their Mentee as they might not know all the questions to ask and to support them with their learning objectives.
For all those desiring to participate whether as a Mentee or Mentor, please review the following expectations:
1) Be an active member in good standing with AFP CF Chapter.
2) Mentees will be early to mid-career professionals and/or those seeking fundraising skill development or career transition. Mentors will have a minimum of 7 or more years of experience in fundraising/philanthropy, ideally in a leadership role.
3) Complete the application and return it no later than February 12, 2026 to assist us with meeting your clearly defined goals and objectives as well as being able to establish effective mentoring pairs.
4) Be able to commit to your role for 9 months (March – November) anticipating at least 1-hour 1:1 mentoring meetings each month and 3 cohort meetings for Kickoff, Mid-term and Wrap sessions (also 1-hour and virtual). The 1:1 mentoring meetings should be primarily in person with virtual meetings as needed.
5) Be prepared for all meetings scheduled and actively participate in each meeting.
6) Adhere to the confidentiality agreement and uphold AFP’s ethical standards.
7) Support the AFP CF Chapter Mentorship Program Chair monitor the program by completing an evaluation form at the Wrap session. Mentees will also be asked to communicate updates on career moves and advancements after the cohort year.
8) All participants agree to take a photo of their mentoring pair and provide testimonials/quotes about their engagement in the program. These may be shared on our website, social media, in our newsletters and at our meetings.
A Mentorship Program Workbook will be provided for all participants which will provide program details, expectations, meeting discussion suggestions and pages for taking notes during the mentoring meetings.
