Environmental Fellowship Grad Program at the University of Michigan

The Environmental Fellows Program supports career development of a new generation of environmental leaders and decision makers in environmental philanthropy. The Environmental Fellows Program (EFP) is a national program that seeks to diversify the environmental and conservation philanthropic sector by supporting the career aspirations of graduate students from traditionally underrepresented groups.

Funding decisions made in philanthropic organizations have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of our natural and built environments and the human communities living therein. Efforts to build a more diverse philanthropic workforce parallel current diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the environmental sector. The Environmental Fellowship Program strives to connect these organizations with students who are passionate about environmental philanthropy.

Fellows are placed in a 12-week paid internship with one of our partner philanthropic organizations. Fellows may have the opportunity to be placed in a NGO funded by one of our partners. Partner foundations and organizations include, but are not limited to, the Environmental Grantmakers Association (EGA) and their member organizations. Internships expose Fellows to a variety of career opportunities available in the philanthropic sector.

Fellows will build new skills and expand social networks that enhance their career portfolios through on-site mentoring, pre-program career development and diversity workshops and by attending a post-program retreat with EGA members. Through these experiences Fellows will expand their understanding of the research and decision making processes that guide foundation giving. Foundations and their grantees benefit from the ideas of highly motivated, energetic Fellows who can assist with new or existing projects.

We are seeking student applicants with an interest in environmental philanthropy as well as a passion and commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive environmental workforce.

If your foundation would like to support an Environmental Fellow please contact M’Lis Bartlett at 734-936-0900 or efp-snre@umich.edu.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The EFP program is an initiative of the School of Natural Resources and Environment’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Office at the University of Michigan. EFP is a proud partner of the Environmental Grantmakers Association.