Applications for the FAO Schwarz Fellowship 2026–2028 are now open. This fully paid, two-year social impact fellowship in Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia offers a competitive salary, benefits, professional development, and leadership training for recent graduates.
Overview: FAO Schwarz Fellowship 2026–2028
The FAO Schwarz Fellowship 2026 is one of the most competitive and transformative early-career opportunities for recent graduates who want to build impactful careers in the nonprofit and social innovation sectors. This full-time, paid, two-year fellowship places talented emerging leaders at major nonprofit organizations across Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia.
The programme combines direct service, strategic project work, and professional development, giving Fellows hands-on experience in youth development, education, climate action, community engagement, arts and culture, and social justice.
Applications for the 2026–2028 cohort are officially open and close on February 1, 2026.
About the Fellowship
The FAO Schwarz Fellowship is designed to accelerate the careers of young leaders committed to social impact. Fellows work full-time at leading nonprofit host organizations while receiving in-depth professional development through:
- Leadership retreats
- Mentoring by experienced social impact professionals
- A strong alumni network
- Exposure to high-impact community projects
Fellows gain real-world experience in areas such as:
- Education advocacy
- Environmental justice
- Arts and culture programming
- Community organizing
- Research and program evaluation
- Youth leadership development
Key Components of the Fellowship
1. Direct Service
Fellows work directly with communities, delivering hands-on support such as:
- Youth programming
- Community workshops
- School-based initiatives
- Environmental outreach
2. Strategic Projects
Fellows also contribute to high-impact organizational projects, including:
- Research and data analysis
- Curriculum design
- Program expansion
- Advocacy and policy work
- Communications and outreach
3. Leadership Development
The fellowship includes:
- Biannual leadership retreats
- Mentorship from senior nonprofit leaders
- Workshops on nonprofit management
- Career development coaching
4. Cohort and Alumni Network
With more than 80 alumni working across the nonprofit, education, and public sectors, Fellows gain:
- A powerful professional network
- Peer collaboration
- Ongoing support after graduation
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a college senior at an accredited four-year institution at the time of application
- Graduate by May/June 2026
- Be eligible to work in the United States for the full duration of the fellowship (two years)
- Demonstrate strong interest in social impact, community development, or nonprofit leadership
- Show commitment to equity, inclusion, and community service
There is no GPA requirement, and applicants do not need a nomination from their university.
Benefits and Compensation
The FAO Schwarz Fellowship offers one of the most competitive compensation packages for early-career nonprofit roles.
What Fellows Receive
- Full-time salaried employment for two years at a top-tier nonprofit organization
- Competitive annual salary (varies by host organization and city)
- Health insurance and standard employee benefits
- Paid time off
- Professional development funding
- Fully funded leadership retreats and cohort gatherings
- Access to a national network of fellows and alumni
Many host organizations also offer:
- Metro/transit benefits
- Wellness support
- Additional training opportunities
Notably:
- 80% of Fellows have been offered roles at their host organizations
- 62% pursue graduate degrees after the fellowship
- 92% continue careers in social impact
How to Apply (2026–2028 Cycle)
Applications are open now and due by February 1, 2026.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Eligibility confirmation
- Resume
- Answers to four short-answer questions
- Fellowship position selections
Application Steps
- Visit the official FAO Schwarz Fellowship website
- Review the eight available Fellowship positions for 2026–2028
- Prepare your resume and short-answer responses
- Submit your application online before the deadline
- Attend an optional online info session to strengthen your application
There is no application fee.
Summary Table
| Program Name | FAO Schwarz Fellowship 2026–2028 |
|---|---|
| Type | Paid, full-time, two-year fellowship |
| Fields | Social impact, education, environment, arts, youth development |
| Location | Boston, New York City, Philadelphia |
| Salary | Competitive full-time salary |
| Benefits | Health insurance, PTO, retreats, mentoring, professional development |
| Eligibility | College seniors graduating 2026; authorized to work in USA |
| Application Deadline | February 1, 2026 |
| Program Duration | 2026–2028 |
| Network | 80+ alumni, national nonprofit network |
| Host Organizations | Leading nonprofits in education, environment, arts, community development |
Conclusion
The FAO Schwarz Fellowship 2026–2028 is an exceptional launching pad for ambitious graduates seeking a career in social change, nonprofit leadership, and community empowerment. With paid full-time roles, deep leadership training, and a powerful professional network, the fellowship equips emerging leaders with the experience and skills needed to drive meaningful impact.
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