2026 Mentorship Program
2026 Mentorship Program
We are proud to announce an exciting new mentorship program – available exclusively to Chapter members. This is your opportunity to share your skills and knowledge and gain one-on-one professional support from your peers in the sector.
Our goal is to offer Chapter members a supportive partnership that is mutually beneficial for both parties to continue to learn and grow professionally and enhance overall career development. For mentors, it is an opportunity to give back to the profession by helping to develop and retain new talent – fostering the growth and professional development of future sector leaders. For mentees, it is an opportunity to make new connections in the sector, learn from senior leaders and gain skills to help you advance your career.
Mentorship Program Guidelines
The AFP Greater Toronto Chapter 2026 Mentorship Program is a 6-month commitment on behalf of both the mentor and the mentee. The purpose of the relationship is to share knowledge, answer questions and be an encouraging and supportive partner. The aim is for the partnership to be mutually beneficial for both parties for continued personal and professional growth and development.
The mentor is to provide the mentee with advice and information. The advice will be limited to work-related and/or specific fundraising and non-profit sector advice to be used to enhance the fundraising program of the charitable organization with which the mentee is currently associated. The relationship is meant to be position or employment specific and is not to be used or construed in any way as a consulting relationship or career coaching. We recommend that both partners advise their employer if they intend to participate in this program.
Time Commitment
The partnership will last for 6 months (March – August) between the mentor and the mentee with the option to continue in the program on an annual basis. The time invested is dependent on each party, but should be a minimum connection of two hours per month in person. Applications for both mentors and mentees are due on January 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET. Matches will be notified of their successful application and next steps during the month of February in time for a March program orientation session.
Matching Process
The AFP Greater Toronto Chapter Mentorship Committee will be facilitating the match between mentor and mentee based on the information collected on the Mentorship Program Application Form(s). Key criteria for matching partners will be based on the areas of expertise the mentor has, and the area of greatest learning need identified by the mentee.
Please note that only a limited number of participants will be selected at this time. Participants will be notified by e-mail of their successful application and next steps during the last week of February in time for a March program orientation session. All other applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Benefits of Being a Mentor :
- Satisfaction of helping a new fundraising professional reach their professional goals
- An expanded network of professional colleagues
- Increasing your involvement in the community
- Recognizing you can make a difference
- Building new relationships
- Contributing to the quality of fundraising professionals
Benefits of Having a Mentor :
- Individual recognition, encouragement and support
- Increased self-esteem and confidence when dealing with professionals
- Confidence to challenge oneself to achieve new goals and explore alternatives
- Experience in networking
Applications for the 2026 program will be open until January 31, 2026