To help nonprofits meet critical needs during these difficult times, Encore.org and some of its partner programs will offer more options for nonprofits that need seasoned, professional talent to fill gaps and add expertise.

Since 2009, Encore.org’s Encore Fellowship program has matched 2,000 skilled professionals who are approaching retirement with social sector organizations searching for capacity-building expertise in high-impact, paid engagements.

Encore Fellows™ are available for shorter assignments (6 weeks to 3-, 6- or 12-months), virtually or in-person, to fill interim positions, plan and implement strategic projects, and provide critical expertise in areas including fundraising, strategy development and change management.

Most important, there is a rich pool of talent ready and willing to be placed.

“We want to help organizations that are struggling right now,” says Jim Emerman, a vice president at Encore.org. “We have created new types of Encore Fellowships to meet what is, for many, an existential challenge. An Encore Fellow could be brought in to create a new financial or staffing plan, implement new operations, devise a change management strategy or identify new funding sources — now virtually, or in a shorter time frame.”

In recent months, many Encore Fellows™ have shifted to virtual roles and continued to add enormous value to their host organizations. Fellows like:

• Frederick Ho, who is using his tech background to help HomeFirst staff and the people experiencing homelessness that they work with stay connected.
• John Sheehan, who is helping Second Harvest of Silicon Valley get emergency food to people who need it.
• Harriette Cole, a media whiz who is helping AARP engage with the African American/Black community in meaningful ways.

Nonprofits interested in bringing on virtual fellows will be able to access talent anywhere in the country. Costs for bringing on fellows vary by region and length of assignment.

More flexible fellowships reflecting the changes above are available in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, New England, Greater New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut and Texas. Options may be available to nonprofits in other parts of the country, too.

No matter where you are, if your organization is interested in bringing on an Encore Fellow, send a note to Jim Emerman at [email protected].

If you would like to serve as an Encore Fellow, apply here.