Tom Ford Fellowship in Philanthropy

Application Deadline

Apply via SOLO by January, 26, 2025

Eligibility

To be eligible for this fellowship, applicants must be current graduating seniors or co-terms at Stanford. Applicants are encouraged from any major field of study and public service background. Applicants need only possess a commitment to public service and an interest in philanthropy.

Application Information

Applications must be submitted via SOLO. Along with answers to essay questions, applicants are asked to submit PDFs of their resume and unofficial transcript.

Applicants must also solicit two letters of recommendation: one from a faculty member who is familiar with the applicant’s academic work and one from a professional contact (i.e. supervisor) who is familiar with the applicant’s professional work (internship, job, etc.).

Selection Criteria

Applicants are reviewed based on the following criteria:

• Significant public service experience; 
• Readiness for fellowship experience;
• Understanding of and interest in the role of philanthropy in society;
• Understanding and embodiment of Principles of Ethical and Effective Public Service;
• Record of academic accomplishment;
• Quality and content of written statements.

Essay Questions

In the SOLO application form, you will be prompted to answer the following questions:

1. What issue do you care most deeply about? What are examples of your ideal placement foundation? What would you hope to learn from a mentor in your chosen field?
2. How will a Ford fellowship build on your Stanford experience and inform your future career?
3. What is the role of philanthropy in society? How might the Ford Fellowship and an in-depth experience of the philanthropic sector build on your skills in ethical and effective public service and contribute to your career goals? In answering this question, please reference the Principles of Ethical and Effective Service.

Program Timeline

• September: Application portal opens
• January: Application portal closes
• February: Selection committee reviews applications, interviews finalists, and offers awards
• March: Awardees must commit
• April - June: Placement process
• September - October: Fellowships begin

Fellowship Components

Mentorship

The program matches each fellow with an experienced mentor in the philanthropic sector. Mentors are outstanding senior professionals who guide each fellow’s professional and personal growth and development. The mentor commits to provide the fellow with substantive and interesting assignments, broad exposure to the inner workings of the foundation, and opportunities to make a contribution in the fellow’s field of interest. Mentors are expected to provide fellows with opportunities (e.g. travel, meetings, attendance at special events), exceeding those normally available to recent college graduates. Often, fellows have one senior level mentor and other supervisors/advisors who guide their day-to-day work.

Learning Plan

Learning plans outlining the skills, knowledge and values that the fellow hopes to develop during the fellowship are due at the end of the first month. They are crafted jointly by the fellow and the mentor. A template and instructions are provided to the fellows. The purpose of the learning plan is to make sure the mentor and fellow share clear and common expectations of the fellowship and also to provide a framework for intentionality, reflection, and assessment. Learning plans are revised as needed during the fellowship.

Midyear Meeting

In the winter quarter, the three fellows gather for two days of site visits, reflection, and professional development. Travel expenses are paid for by the fellowship program.

End-of-year Evaluation

In June or July, fellows gather for two days of reflection, evaluation and meetings with the fellowship’s alumni, campus advisors, selection committee, and the new 2024 Fellows.

Mentor’s End-of-Fellowship Evaluation

Mentors are asked to complete an online evaluation to discuss the fellow and the program.

Fellowship Requirements

Ford Fellows must agree to fulfill the following requirements before, during, and after their fellowship term:

Before Fellowship Term

• Enroll in SUSTAIN 222: Ethical and Effective Philanthropy for Sustainable Development;
• Engage in a deliberative spring quarter placement process guided by the Program Director to identify potential host foundations;
  • Please note that Haas Center staff do not necessarily have direct experience with, nor do we professionally endorse, partner organizations.
• Attend Cardinal Careers New Fellows Orientation (late May), conduct pre-placement site visits, and other preparatory workshops;
• Interview with prospective mentors prior to or shortly after graduation.

During Fellowship Term

• Serve full time for 11 consecutive months of full-time work with a US-based foundation starting no later than October 1 following graduation.
  • The fellow can be given time off in accordance with the organization’s regular personnel policies.
  • The Ford Fellowship cannot be combined with any other award or employment.
• Design a personal learning plan in conjunction with the placement mentor;
• Attend mid-year site visits/meetings for reflection and evaluation purposes;
• Submit a final report and attend an in-person end-of-year evaluation meeting;

After Fellowship Term

• Correspond with fellowship donor(s) as requested by Haas Center staff;
• Assist the program in future years by nominating applicants, identifying potential mentors, and by participating in information and training sessions.

Previous Placements

Previous Ford Fellows have worked with leaders at the following philanthropies and foundations:

History & Background

The Tom Ford Fellowship in Philanthropy was created in 2001 to provide recent Stanford graduates with intensive, mentored experiences in domestic foundations, to educate them about the role of philanthropy in society, and to encourage them to enter the field. The fellowship is made possible by the generous support of Susan Ford Dorsey's Sand Hill Foundation and Philanthropic Ventures Foundation.

The Ford Fellowship celebrates the life of Tom Ford (1921-1998), whose contributions to Stanford stretch back to 1955. Over time, Tom touched many corners of campus through his involvement as a Trustee of Children’s Hospital at Stanford, a member of the Stanford Athletic Board, a 10-year Stanford University Trustee, and an invaluable leader of the Haas Center Advisory Board. Tom Ford’s endeavors off campus included his position as Managing Partner of the Ford Land Company and the development of 3000 Sand Hill Road, a well-known venture capital address in Silicon Valley.