$115,000 FAO Schwarz Fellowship

The FAO Schwarz Family Foundation runs a two-year paid fellowship for new college graduates who want careers in social impact. Each Fellow is placed in a paid position with benefits at a nonprofit host in Boston, New York City or Philadelphia, splitting their time between direct community service and strategic projects, while joining a small cohort that meets for professional development retreats. For the 2027 to 2029 cycle there are six host organisations, and you apply directly to the host or hosts you choose.

What you get:

• Total pay of about $115,000 over two years in Boston and New York City, or about $105,000 in Philadelphia
• In Boston and New York City: $55,000 in year one (including a $2,000 start bonus) and $60,000 in year two (including a $3,000 end bonus)
• In Philadelphia: $50,000 in year one and $55,000 in year two, with the same bonuses
• The same benefits as entry-level employees at your host, including health insurance and paid time off
• Two four-day professional development retreats a year, rotating among the three cities
• Weekly supervision at your host plus an alumni Fellow mentor

What you'll do:

• Spend about 45 percent of your time on direct service, such as tutoring, mentoring or leading field trips
• Spend about 45 percent on a strategic project that strengthens your host organisation
• Spend the remaining time on professional development, cohort gatherings and Fellowship projects
• Commit to the full two years with your host

Key dates:

• Applications opened November 2026
• Online info sessions in December and January
• Applications close February 1, 2027 at 9:00 PM ET
• Hosts interview candidates in March
• Final decisions by the end of April 2027
• Fellowships begin summer 2027 and run two years

More information:

• 2027 to 2029 hosts: Children's Literacy Initiative and The Franklin Institute (Philadelphia), Boston Collegiate Charter School and Mass Audubon (Massachusetts), Hudson River Park River Project and the Museum of the City of New York (New York)
• You may apply to more than one host; each host screens, interviews and selects its own Fellow
• The application is a PDF resume plus four short essay questions; a preview PDF is on the How to Apply page
• Offers must be accepted within 6 days
• No help with relocation costs beyond the start bonus

• College senior graduating between November 2026 and summer 2027 from an accredited four-year college or university
• Eligible to work in the United States for the full two years; hosts cannot sponsor work visas
• No nomination needed
• No specific major required
• Strong academic record, demonstrated leadership and a commitment to social justice are what hosts look for