FCN Foundation Global Ambassadors Program

The purpose of the FCN Foundation Global Ambassadors Program (GAP) is to help Alumni of foster care launch non-profit and for-profit endeavors that will give back to their communities. Although these endeavors do not need to be child welfare focused in any way, it is expected that they and/or their entity will create opportunities to Pay it Forward to young adults in/from foster care through mentorship or internship/apprenticeship opportunities.

GAP plans to accomplish this by placing Ambassadors through a 12-month Fellowship that will assist them in creating and implementing solutions that will fill a need in their industry of study and/or community in which they live.

It is the FCN Foundation’s goal to help Alumni of foster care around the world secure social and monetary capital to change their own lives and the lives of the young people that live in their communities.

Benefits of Becoming an FCN Foundation Global Ambassador

  • Through experiential learning Ambassadors will have the opportunity to focus on their individual development by analyzing their internal belief systems, how these systems were created and how they've influenced where they are in life and where they have been unable to reach

  • Ambassadors will be connected with an Alumni Coach that will assist them in developing and expanding their innovative approach to addressing child welfare related issues in their country and communities and who will track their progress and experience in the GAP.

  • Ambassadors will develop a global network of support from individuals who share their foster care/out of home history

  • Ambassadors will have access to each other and share progress and advice through virtual Group Meetings

  • Over the course of the Fellowship, Ambassadors will receive at least $10,000 of in-kind support towards expansion of their nonprofit/for-profit or program.

  • Ambassadors will be connected to Business Coaches that will provide in-kind supports in areas such as grant-writing, legal counsel and will be connected to seed funding opportunities, upon successful completion of the program.

  • Ambassadors will be sponsored to attend Annual Global Alumni Powerhouse Networking Conferences to meet FCN Foundation staff and other FCN Foundation Global Ambassadors in person. In 2020, the APNC will take place in Baltimore, Maryland, September 2020. 

  • Even after the 12 month GAP, Ambassadors will continue to have access to the FCN Foundation's network of Alumni and will be connected with incoming Global Ambassadors moving forward.

 
 

Application Requirements

Skills/Experience Needed

  • Have lived with someone other than their biological parents (out of home placement/s) as a child. Some examples include: kinship (with relatives), foster care (strangers), group home, orphanage, boarding school or adopted.

  • Be at least 25 years old and demonstrate an active role in their community.

  • Be proficient in written and spoken English, and posses strong social and verbal communication skills.

  • A proven record of leadership and accomplishment in the nonprofit, public service, business and entrepreneurship, or civic engagement sectors;

  • A demonstrated commitment to public or community service;

  • The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and respect the opinions of others;

  • A demonstrated knowledge and interest in the use of current and future technology to resolve social and business issues;

  • A commitment to return to and apply leadership skills and training provided as part of the Fellowship to benefit the applicant’s community.​

Tuition

Due to the COVID-19 and the financial detriment it has caused to so many, Tuition has been reduced from $1,000 to $500. Upon acceptance into the program, there is a $500 cost for tuition required before attending the first convening (February 2020).

Fundraising Ideas for Tuition:

  • Request sponsorship from an organization you’re affiliated with

  • Our program is considered Professional Development. In some cases your employer may cover tuition as part of their company employee benefits.

  • Crowdfunding (GoFundMe, Kickstarter, etc.). Asking 10 people to contribute $50 or 20 that can give $25.

Applicants will need to be familiar with fundraising in order to grasp the concepts associated with launching and running a business or nonprofit.

time Commitment

12 Month Program, Monthly contact with an Alumni Coach and GAP group discussions (Virtual), Three 2-day Convenings over the course of the 12 months. Events and Trainings

Selection Process and TIMELINE

After the deadline, all eligible applications will be reviewed by FCN Foundation Team Members and volunteers. If advanced to the next round, applicants must be prepared to interview with a FCN Foundation representative. Selection Criteria

February 15, 2020 - Applications Open

October 1, 2020- Application Deadline (Final extension due to COVID-19)

November 1, 2020- 15th - Second Round Interviews

November 30, 2020- Applicants notified of declination or advance to the next round of interviews.

January 1, 2021 - Global Ambassadors Announced

February 24-26th 2021 - First Global Ambassador Convening (In person- pending, Virtual at minimum)

Uploads Required

1. CV/resume

2. Three Letters of Recommendation to be written by:

        1. Two professional associates familiar with your work who can comment on your abilities and potential for growth and leadership (e.g., current or former colleagues, mentors/advisors).

        2. An immediate supervisor with an appraisal of your qualifications. (This may be someone who has recently worked with you in a supervisory capacity.)

The Application does not have a save and return later feature. Download the Application Questions HERE, to complete offline and cut and paste into the online application. Contact Kimberly Rhyan at kimberly@fcnfoundation.org with any questions.