The Alden Fellows program, an initiative of the Community Foundation of Louisville, is designed to support and empower nonprofit executive leaders within Jefferson County, Kentucky. Recognizing the transformative potential of well-equipped leadership, this fellowship aims to enhance the professional and personal development of executive directors, presidents, and CEOs of local nonprofit organizations. The program provides access to high-quality professional development resources to strengthen the nonprofit sector and foster community impact through skilled leadership.

Applicants for the Alden Fellows program must serve in an executive leadership role at a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is both headquartered in and serves Jefferson County. The application process begins with an Expression of Interest, where candidates share insights into their background, leadership approach, and development aspirations. Finalists are then invited to submit a comprehensive proposal outlining their vision for a fellowship experience that will deepen their leadership capacity, benefit their organization, and serve the broader Louisville community.

Each selected Alden Fellow receives a grant of up to $10,000 to implement a tailored professional development plan. This could include leadership training, certification programs, educational opportunities, or other growth-oriented experiences. The program supports up to five leaders per cohort and is rooted in a commitment to nurturing future changemakers. Since its inception in 2014, the Foundation has invested $210,000 to support 38 Fellows through this initiative.

Participants are expected to fully engage with the program and meet all outlined requirements. Failure to comply may result in the return of any unused or unspent funds. The Foundation emphasizes relationship-building and community collaboration among Fellows, who become part of an evolving network of past and present participants.

Interested applicants are encouraged to begin by submitting the initial Expression of Interest form and may register for an information session to learn more about the program. The grant process operates on a cohort model with annual application cycles, and all key information, including deadlines and expectations, are communicated through the Foundation’s channels.

For inquiries, applicants may contact Justin Hogan, Program Officer for Economic Equity, via email at justinh@cflouisville.org or by phone at 502-585-4649. The Community Foundation of Louisville's offices are located at 325 W. Main Street, Suite 1110, Louisville, KY 40202, and maintain a hybrid operational schedule.