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How to Apply

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Applications are typically accepted February - early April each year. The deadline to apply for the Class of 2024 has passed.

  • 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. 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.


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.

  • How do you think participation in this program will make you a more valuable asset to the development professional?
  • What professional goals would you most like to achieve as a result of your participation in the Institute for Leaders in Development?
  • What attracts you to the field of nonprofit fund development?
  • What are the most significant professional challenges and opportunities that currently impact your work as a development professional?
  • Share a time when you stepped in as a leader in your 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.

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 2024 - What's next?

The Interview Process
If you are among the finalists selected for an interview for the Class of 2024, you will be notified by email. Finalists will interview with two to three Selection Committee members. Interviews will be conducted in person. Interviews will take place May 2, 4, and 10, between 10am and 3pm. 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.

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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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