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How to Apply

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The application for the Class of 2025 is open now!
Applications will be due April 1, 2024.

Before You Apply

  • Please review the candidate checklist, which can help you decide whether this is the right time in your nonprofit fundraising career to apply for ILD. Remember that you must have at least 3 years’ experience in nonprofit development to apply.
  • Consider applying for the Bob Mesko Scholarship, which covers the full cost of tuition. We encourage all who meet the criteria to apply! Learn more here. 
  • Need additional financial assistance? Would you or your organization prefer to pay the $600 tuition fee using a payment plan? Email us at ildcolorado@gmail.com to talk about options!
  • Prepare your application by following the steps below under "Application Details". Once you've gathered this info, you're ready to complete the application and submit. When uploading attachments, please name them with your last name followed by the document title.
  • You're ready to apply! After reviewing all application details and gathering the necessary info, click on the 'Apply Now' button at the bottom of this page.


Application Details

Part One | General Contact Information and Resume

Contact information

Gather the following information, which you will add to the online application form:

  • Complete details about current and past nonprofit development positions, including start and end dates
  • The percentage of time you spend in your current position in the following areas: management and administration, volunteer management, marketing and public relations, development/fundraising
  • The percentage of time you spend in your current position in the following areas of development: corporate/foundation fundraising, direct mail/annual fund, events, work with individual donors, major gifts, and/or planned gifts

Resume (.pdf file)

Address the following items and highlight leadership roles:

  • Employment History/Work Experience
  • Volunteer/Community Service Activities
  • Professional Memberships and Affiliations
  • Related Professional Development/Academic/Educational Experience
  • Two personal or professional references who can comment on your strengths as a development professional

Part Two | Personal Statement

Upload your personal statement answering the following questions (up to 3 pages; .pdf file). Remember to number and restate each question with your responses (you may use this template).

Personal Statement
In an effort to know you better, we would appreciate your written thoughts about how your participation in the Institute for Leaders in Development might further your personal and professional development.

1.   Based on at least three years of paid experience fundraising and cultivating relationships with donors to raise support for nonprofits, please share more about how your role and work in development has evolved over the years.
2.   How do you think participation in the ILD program will help you to continue growing as a development professional? Why now? What parts of the ILD curriculum and overall program are you most excited about?
3.   What professional goals would you most like to achieve in the next 1-3 years?
4.   What are the most significant challenges in Colorado that currently impact the nonprofit sector?  What role can development professionals play in tackling these challenges?
5.   Describe a time when you stepped in as a leader--whether in your current organization/role or for a past organization.

Part Three | Participation Form

Upload a signed ILD participation form (available in word and PDF) from your CEO, executive director, or supervisor (ILD Participation Form .pdf file). Please upload the signed form with this document title: LAST NAME ILD Participation Form.

Part Four | Letter of Recommendation

Upload a letter of recommendation from your CEO, executive director, or supervisor (.pdf file). Please upload the file with this document title: LAST NAME ILD Recommendation Letter.

Part Five | Attendance and Availability

The final portion of the application includes the schedule for the upcoming year. As regular attendance is required, please review dates carefully. If you have concerns about any of the dates or any time frame of the upcoming year, please reach out to us prior to the program deadline.

The final portion of the application includes the schedule for the upcoming year. As regular attendance is required, please review dates carefully. If you have concerns about any of the dates or any time frame of the upcoming year, please reach out to us prior to the program deadline.

Accessibility and Assistance with Application Process

If you need accommodations or other assistance with the application process, please contact us ildcolorado@gmail.com.

Applicants for the Class of 2025 - What's next?

The Interview Process
If you are among the finalists selected for an interview for the Class of 2025, you will be notified by email. Interviews will be conducted in person in May. Those not selected for an interview will also be notified via email.

Final Selection of Candidates
Following the interview process, the final selection of candidates will be announced by mid-June. Those not selected will be notified by email.

Financial Assistant for Rural Nonprofits

All selected candidates from rural nonprofits will be automatically considered for travel assistance.

Sign up for Email Announcements and Updates!

Institute for Leaders in Development
at University of Denver

University Hall 301
2197 S. University Blvd.
Denver, CO 80208

Email: ildcolorado@gmail.com

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