Applications are now open for the fully funded 2026 Morgridge Acceleration Program Fellowship!

Ednah Carrick August 17, 2025

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Closing Date: 29 September 2025

Applications are now open for the fully funded 2026 Morgridge Acceleration Program Fellowship!

Overview

The Morgridge Acceleration Program (MAP) Fellowship is a six-month program that pairs early to mid-career leaders with experienced nonprofit mentors to tackle an executive-level challenge within the mentor’s organization. Over six months, twelve MAP Fellows design innovative, sustainable solutions—while building their skills, expanding their professional networks, and gaining access to travel, speaking, and exclusive learning opportunities.

Morgridge Family Foundation is excited and grateful to be supporting the upcoming fellows and mentors in New Views style, kicking off in sunny Florida.

The 2026 MAP Fellowship

The Morgridge Acceleration Program Fellowship is a six-month, project-based program where early- to mid-career professionals collaborate with seasoned nonprofit leaders to solve real-world nonprofit challenges. Fellows stay in their current full-time jobs while dedicating about 15 hours per month to designing and delivering high-impact solutions. Along the way, they gain practical skills, a trusted mentor, and a national network of peers and leaders.

Since 2020, MAP has matched 54 Fellows with 58 nonprofit leaders at 49 organizations nationwide, sparking personal growth, advancing careers, and driving transformative change for nonprofits.

2026 MAP Fellowship Program Highlights

Kick-Off Event

The program kicks off March 1–4, 2026, in Orlando with a high-energy retreat at The Alfond Inn and Rollins College. The four days are facilitated by New Views to fuel leadership growth, spark collaboration, and launch bold plans into motion.

Challenge

Fellows take the lead on tackling a real-world challenge identified by their mentor’s organization, dedicating 60 hours over six months to drive solutions forward. Mentors act as trusted guides, sharing expertise, opening doors, and offering hands-on support.

Challenge Fund

Each organization receives $5,000 in funding, with $2,500 designated to benefit fellow development and $2,500 designated to benefit project advancement. These funds are a springboard for bold ideas and tangible impact.

Site Visit

Each organization is provided $1,250 to support a site visit, enabling the fellow to travel to their mentor’s organization or a relevant off-site event. This visit offers valuable time to collaborate in person and allows the fellow to shadow their mentor, gaining firsthand insight into their work.

Virtual Events

Fellows and mentors come together for four dynamic virtual sessions designed to tap into the collective brainpower of the cohort. In each session, teams take the lead—hosting a segment to share the questions and roadblocks they’re navigating in their challenge.

Culmination Event

The program concludes in Denver, September 1-3, 2026, with fireside chats for fellows and mentors to share their stories with leaders across sectors and a dynamic network of alumni, sparking new ideas and connections. Each fellow receives support from a public speaking coach to prepare.