Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship

Launched in 2016, the Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship immerses talented, emerging leaders from across the country in Cleveland’s public sector, providing them an opportunity to develop their skills, enhance their networks and jumpstart a career in public service.

The Cleveland Foundation exists to make the lives of Greater Clevelanders better, now and for generations to come. The ability to carry out our mission and to foster a commitment to excellence can best be pursued if our workforce, grantees, donors, partners, and governing body work within a culture of togetherness that welcomes and respects people of varied backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives. The foundation, in partnership with the fellowship host sites, is committed to ensuring opportunity and advancement across Cleveland’s public sector by using this fellowship as a catalyst to develop a pipeline of future leaders for Northeast Ohio. 
 

The program includes:

• A 12-month, full-time paid placement at a selected public sector agency in Cleveland, providing meaningful career-related work experience. The fellowship includes a $48,000 salary with health benefits and a $1,000 signing bonus (which is taxable).
• Participation in a public sector professional development program, facilitated in collaboration with professionals that have expertise in their fields. Professional development consists of a 3-day orientation followed by 2 full-day civic immersion and skill-building sessions each month.
• A small cohort with individualized coaching, supervision and support.
• Immersion in the rich civic and cultural life of Cleveland, with first-hand opportunities to network and connect with an array of emerging and senior leaders, organizations, and members of the community.

Each Fellow will be matched with a public sector agency with a supportive corporate culture and a commitment to providing opportunities to develop leadership and innovation. 

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

• College graduates who earned undergraduate degrees in the spring of 2022 through 2026 or who will earn their graduate degree in spring of 2026 are eligible to apply. A wide range of degrees, including liberal arts and those pertaining to specialized areas of study, are welcomed.
• U.S. citizens, permanent residents or individuals eligible to work in the U.S. for the duration of this program can apply.
• Applicants cannot be a relative of a member of Cleveland Foundation staff or the foundation’s board of directors.
• Should you be selected as a semi-finalist, you must agree to reference checks and a criminal background check. Finalists may also be required to undergo additional hiring screenings such as a drug screening or a physical, depending on the hiring policies of the host agency.

How to apply/additional document instructions:

To apply, visit Public Service Fellowship | Cleveland Foundation for more information and to complete registration to access the online application. Applications are currently being accepted and will continue to be through March 5, 2026. We will begin reviewing applications once the deadline passes. 

You will register for access to our online application gateway by entering your name and e-mail, and creating a login ID. An e-mail will be sent to you within 5 minutes. Please check your spam folder. Click on the link in the e-mail to complete the registration process.

Login (with the e-mail address you used to register). You will need to complete the application and upload supporting documents for each mandatory requirement before you can “submit” your application. Deadline to submit: March 5, 2026.

• Resume
• One required letter of recommendation (with 2 letters permitted) from individuals familiar with your academic work, employment experience or community/volunteer activities.

We request that you upload the letter(s) directly into your online application. However, if the person providing your letter of recommendation prefers to send in their recommendation directly, please e-mail us at fellowship@clevefdn.org. You will then need to upload a statement identifying the reference who will be emailing a Letter of Recommendation on your behalf. We will upload all Recommendation Letters received by the application deadline.