Prestigious Mentoring Scheme Reopens to Tackle Charity Sector’s ‘Training Trap’
In a sector where leaders are under constant pressure to deliver greater impact with fewer resources, the search for meaningful professional development is a critical priority. Against this backdrop, the Elischer Foundation has announced the reopening of applications for its highly-regarded mentoring programme, a free, bespoke opportunity designed to nurture the confidence, resilience, and strategic acumen of the sector’s next generation of leaders. In a climate where traditional courses can be costly and are often criticised for failing to provide practical, contemporary insights, this tailored journey represents a vital alternative. The reopening of applications is therefore a significant moment, promising to equip a new cohort with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Established in memory of Tony and Nicky Elischer, and in recognition of their passion and dedication to fundraising leadership, the Foundation’s core mission is to support and nurture individuals who have the drive and talent to become future sector leaders. Applications for the 2026/27 cohort open in November 2025, with a deadline of midnight on Monday, 19 January 2026. The programme runs from April 2026 to March 2027, and interested professionals should mark these dates now to ensure they don’t miss this opportunity.
The strategic importance of effective professional development is clear, yet the pathway is often fraught with generic solutions. In his critical blog post, “Another bloody course,” sector commentator Howard Lake identifies this very ‘training trap’, noting that formal courses are often “lacking on technique and contemporary nuance.” Crucially, he points directly towards bespoke mentorship as the most effective alternative, explicitly citing the Tony Elischer Foundation as a place where aspiring leaders can access it for free. The Foundation’s model is the exemplar of the very solution Lake champions, moving beyond the theoretical to offer personalised guidance from experienced senior leaders. Mentees are matched with senior fundraising leaders and CEOs, enabling an evolving conversation that fine-tunes a leader’s skills in real time. The tangible benefits are clear, with past participants consistently reporting:
- Increased confidence and resilience
- Improved ability to influence key stakeholders
- Enhanced self-awareness and awareness of others
- Improved strategic thinking skills
- An expanded professional network for support and alternative perspectives
Underscoring the programme’s value, a remarkable 100% of participants have said they would recommend it. This powerful statistic highlights the deep impact of a development model that prioritises individual needs over generic curricula, focusing on participants’ personal and professional transformation.
To truly understand the value of a programme like this, one must listen to the voices of those who have experienced it firsthand. Laura Swan, Director of The Elischer Foundation, articulates the driving passion behind the initiative. “The Elischer Foundation exists to support and nurture people with drive, with spark, and with the enthusiasm to make a real difference in the world,” she says. This investment clearly pays dividends. Rachael Kingston, Director of Income Generation at Future Frontiers and a past mentee, describes the programme as a “much-valued safe space where I can be open, frank about what’s holding me back and what support I need.” She adds, “I know it has already and will continue to make a really positive difference to how I show up at work and the impact I can have.” The sense of ambition is palpable among new participants, such as Lubna Arif-Schmidt, a 2025-26 mentee, who hopes to “challenge myself to dream bigger, act bolder, and serve better.” These personal stories powerfully illustrate the Foundation’s successful track record.
The Elischer Foundation is not a newcomer to sector development; it brings an established reputation and a proven history of success. Since its inception, the Foundation has supported 105 mentees through its rigorous 12-month programme, made possible by the commitment of 52 mentors—all senior fundraising leaders and CEOs who volunteer their time and expertise. While the programme is run in a UK time zone, its influence is global, having supported mentees in 14 countries. Its core purpose is to identify and support talented fundraisers who are ready to develop their leadership skills and accelerate their careers towards executive leadership, filling a critical gap and empowering ambitious professionals to unlock their full potential.
For those considering applying, it is crucial to review the eligibility criteria carefully. To be considered, applicants must be ambitious fundraising leaders who meet the following key requirements:
- Have been in a leadership position for at least one to two years.
- Are either a sole fundraiser with board access, or already hold a title such as ‘Head of’, ‘Deputy Director’, or ‘Director’.
- I am currently working in a charity, as the programme cannot support consultants or freelancers.
- Can demonstrate a commitment to professional development, excellence, and a willingness to embrace innovation.
The process begins with an online written application. However, to improve accessibility, the Foundation also offers an ‘alternative application’ method. For those who “don’t get on with an application form,” submissions can be made in other formats, such as a video or an infographic. Following the deadline, applications are reviewed, and a shortlist is created, with candidates notified of their status by mid-March 2026. This may be followed by a short online interview for those progressing, before the final matching of successful applicants with mentors takes place in March and April 2026. The final deadline for all applications is midnight on Monday, 19 January 2026.
The reopening of the Elischer Foundation’s mentoring programme is more than just an opportunity for individual career advancement; it represents a strategic investment in the health and resilience of the entire UK charity sector. By providing free, bespoke, and high-impact development to emerging leaders, the Foundation addresses a critical need for strong, adaptable leadership to navigate an uncertain future. Ultimately, the long-term significance of programmes like this lies in their cumulative effect. By nurturing a pipeline of innovative, confident, and well-supported leaders, the Foundation is helping to build the sector’s capacity to meet future challenges head-on. As this new cohort prepares to embark on its journey, the real story will be the impact these leaders make in their organisations and communities in the years to come.
