Tom Ford Fellowship in Philanthropy 2025-26
The Tom Ford Fellowship in Philanthropy was created in 2001 to provide recent Stanford graduates with intensive, mentored experiences in domestic foundations, to educate them about the role of philanthropy in society, and to encourage them to enter the field. The fellowship is made possible by the generous support of Susan Ford Dorsey's Sand Hill Foundation and Philanthropic Ventures Foundation.
The Ford Fellowship celebrates the life of Tom Ford, whose contributions to Stanford stretch back to 1955. Over time, Ford touched many corners of campus through his involvement as a Trustee of the Children’s Hospital at Stanford, a member of the Stanford Athletic Board, a ten-year Stanford University Trustee, and an invaluable leader of the Haas Center National Advisory Board. Ford’s endeavors off-campus included his position as Managing Partner of the Ford Land Company and the development of 3000 Sand Hill Road, a well-known venture capital address in Silicon Valley.
Please note that Haas Center staff do not necessarily have direct experience with, nor do we professionally endorse, partner organizations.
To be eligible for this fellowship, applicants must be current graduating seniors or co-terms at Stanford. Applicants are encouraged from any major field of study and from a wide variety of service experiences. Applicants need only possess a commitment to public service and an interest in philanthropy.
Application requirements:
Applications must be submitted via SOLO. Along with answers to essay questions, applicants are asked to submit PDFs of their resume and unofficial transcript. Applicants must also solicit two letters of recommendation: one from a faculty member who is familiar with the applicant’s academic work and one from a professional contact (i.e. supervisor) who is familiar with the applicant’s professional work (internship, job, etc.).
Evaluation criteria:
Applicants are selected based on the following criteria:
- Significant public service experience;
- Readiness for fellowship experience;
- Understanding of and interest in the role of philanthropy in society;
- Understanding and embodiment of Principles of Ethical and Effective Public Service;
- Record of academic accomplishment;
- Quality and content of written statements.
The selection committee reviews applications and develops a list of finalists to be interviewed. Awards are offered on the basis of interviews. Awardees must commit by March 3, 2025. Fellowships should begin between September 1 and October 1, 2024. Placements must be located within the continental United States.
Requirements:
Ford Fellows commit to 11 months of full-time work with a US-based foundation starting no later than October 1 following graduation. Placements occur during a deliberative spring quarter process after the fellowship is awarded; thus, Ford Fellows must be available prior to graduation to interview with prospective mentors and participate in an orientation session. The Ford Fellowship cannot be combined with any other award or employment.
Requirements During Spring Quarter
- Enroll in SUSTAIN 222: Ethical and Effective Philanthropy for Sustainable Development;
- Participate actively in spring quarter placement identification process and placement interviews;
- Attend a program orientation, site visits and other preparatory workshops.
Requirements During Fellowship Year
- Complete a learning plan;
- Attend mid-year site visits/meetings for reflection and evaluation purposes;
- Submit a final report and program evaluation;
- Correspond with fellowship donor(s) as requested by Haas Center staff.
Fellows are asked to assist the Ford Fellowship in future years by recruiting applicants and/or mentors and by participating in information and training sessions.
