Greetings,

Thank you for taking the time to complete our 2025 Mentee Application. We are thrilled to restart our program and continue connecting current and rising leaders.

Benefits of the Program

• A personalized matching experience.
• An opportunity to meet with current AFP Greater Cleveland Board Members.
• Social media and writing spotlights.
• Free combined entry to a paid AFP Greater Cleveland event.
• CFRE credit.

Program Expectations

• Consistent meetings between mentor and mentee, at a minimum of once per month. This can include educational sessions, phone calls, virtual meetings, email exchanges, or coffee chats. This time should be agreed upon by both parties.
• Mentor and mentee must complete a 6-month check-in survey and an end-of-program survey.
• Mentor and mentee should attempt to attend at least two networking sessions during the year.
• Mentor and mentee should be committed to working together and maintaining professional boundaries.

Benefits for Mentee

• Learn about fundraising from an experienced development professional
• Gain an advocate for yourself and the support of an experienced professional
• Develop an appreciation for the nuances and mechanics of fundraising
• Gain an understanding of maneuvering complex situations in the workplace
• Career coaching and professional guidance
• Establish long-term strategic career goals
• Career mapping to establish strategic career moves management
• Increased self-confidence, self-awareness, and communication skills
• Shared experiences with the mentor
• Introductions to other development professionals
• Advice about navigating workplace situations
• Networking with other development professionals to learn about other areas of development and career opportunities
• Exposure to different non-profit organizations and development functions

Mentee Eligibility

• Maintain a current AFPGC Membership.
• Has five or fewer years of experience in fundraising with a job description containing at least 50% of duties dedicated to fundraising and development.
• Members who are changing their focus area of fundraising or are working in a new area.
• Members who want to move ahead in their careers and would like some help in strategizing and planning.

Mentee Program Requirements

• Meet with assigned mentor as mutually agreed upon.
• Commitment to participate for one year.
• Be mindful of the mentor’s time and commitment - the mentoring relationship is not a substitute for a paid consultant.
• Complete and submit an evaluation form upon completion of the mentoring program.

Please email us at admin@afpcle.org if you have any questions/concerns or if you would like to provide direct feedback on how we can improve the process.

With gratitude,

Mary Paxton

AFP Greater Cleveland President