About the Fellows Program
The National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP) developed the Fellows Program to accelerate the learning and development of family philanthropy leaders, and to add voices to the NCFP community who can both define and elevate effective practices in the sector. With the work of its Fellows, through their individual and collective projects, NCFP is better able to support the full spectrum of family philanthropists to reach their full potential. In addition, the Distinguished Fellow—someone who is a significant contributor to family philanthropy with a longstanding and inspirational history of leadership—will also advocate for effective family philanthropy and use their voice, talents, and knowledge to advance the field.

2018-2021 Fellows Mary Mountcastle, June Wilson, and Kelly Nowlin speaking at the 2019 National Forum on Family Philanthropy
Goals of the Fellows Program
- Advance the Field: Empower diverse sector leaders to reflect on the purpose and possibilities of family philanthropy, deepen their expertise, and advance the field.
- Promote Learning: Foster the learning, development, and community of sector leaders to effectively strengthen the practice of family philanthropy.
- Recognize Leaders: Acknowledge respected, bold practitioners in family philanthropy to elevate effective practices and encourage an open exchange of ideas and information.
The 2023-2024 Fellows Projects
NCFP’s Fellows explored various issues and questions related to effective family philanthropy including:
- A New Era of Philanthropy: How We Fund in Times of Crisis and Opportunity | Dimple Abichandani
- Funding Rural Podcast | Erin Borla
- Unlocking Doors: Relational Reparations in Family Philanthropy | C’Ardiss Gardner Gleser
- Inspired Generosity | Dilnaz Waraich
- Giving Related | David Weitnauer
Current Fellows

Carrie Avery
Executive Committee Chair, Trust-Based Philanthropy Project; Former President, The Durfee Foundation | NCFP Distinguished Fellow (2025–2027)

Will Cordery
Trustee, Hill Snowdon Foundation; Founder & Principal, Freedom Futures | NCFP Fellow (2025–2027)
Past Fellows

C’Ardiss “CC” Gardner Gleser
Board Member, Andrus Family Fund and Charlotte Martin Foundation | NCFP Fellow (2023–2024)

Doug Bitonti Stewart
Executive Director, Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, NCFP Fellow (2015–2018)
Questions?
Contact NCFP Director of Programs Daria Teutonico.
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