Field Fellowships
Southern Ontario is graced with outstanding senior leaders working to promote a conservation that not only stewards the land but also nurtures community. Over the course of their careers, these individuals have made an enormous contribution. They have been developing new programs, sharing their experience and knowledge, building organizations and influencing public policy. Their work has been a personal and professional investment in the health of the organizations, communities and constituencies they serve.
In most cases, this work is carried out in challenging circumstances - with limited resources, in a difficult and rapidly changing environment. Stress, burnout and attrition are too often the result. Investing in the health and productivity of those committed to the field is essential for continued success. We believe that replenishment and renewed inspiration encourages longer and more productive careers for these leaders.
Through this program the Foundation wishes to acknowledge, develop, and strengthen the contribution of exceptional individuals working on land use issues in Southern Ontario. Field Fellowships are intended to support outstanding senior leaders by providing them with the opportunity to advance their work outside of the confines of their day-to-day responsibilities, renew their sense of purpose and focus, and tend to their own well-being.
This is an intentionally flexible program that does not prescribe a course of action but instead intends to provoke a range of responses from outstanding leaders around a broad spectrum of needs. During the fellowship, these leaders will not be involved in regular workplace demands devoting their full time attention instead to fellowship activities. Through this fellowship program, we hope to realize the benefits that can accrue - to leaders, their organizations, their communities and their work - from periods of professional development, reflection and renewal.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include charitable organizations working in Southern Ontario such as community groups, environmental, farm, and aboriginal organizations that have shown commitment to the Metcalf Environment Program goal which is to: strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of people and organizations working together to ensure the ecological health and integrity of Southern Ontario’s natural and working lands. Organizations may apply individually, or in partnership with others.
An application can only be submitted by the organization, but fellows must be identified in the application. The Field Fellowship is aimed at outstanding senior leaders with vision, a passion for the issues, and a commitment to long-term land use solutions that benefit both land and people. Fellows may be policymakers, farmers, researchers, elders and entrepreneurs who have a significant record of achievement, and at least ten years’ experience working toward the health of our natural and working lands.
As a charitable foundation registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the Metcalf Foundation can only offer support to organizations with charitable status. If you have an idea that advances the goals and objectives of this program but your group does not qualify, please contact us. We may be able to offer our assistance in other ways. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact program staff in advance to discuss their ideas.
What are the funding parameters?
Fellowship recipients will receive up to maximum of $40,000 in the form of salary replacement. These senior leaders may propose any type of project they wish to pursue bearing in mind that it must contribute to the mission of the Metcalf Environment Program which is: to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of people and organizations working together to ensure the ecological health and integrity of Southern Ontario’s natural and working lands. Prospective applicants and candidates are encouraged to contact program staff in advance to discuss their ideas. Successful applicants must start their fellowship within 12 months of it being awarded.
The Foundation seeks to support the Field Fellows as they pursue significant opportunities for professional development and renewal. These could include, but are not limited to: the opportunity to explore new ideas, models and practices; a sabbatical for intellectual and personal revitalization; a job-exchange that offers varied work experience or alternative perspectives; or specialized training. The pursuit of post-secondary degree programs will not be supported under this program.
What is the application process?
Applications must not exceed 6 pages , and should include:
- the Metcalf application cover page (PDF);
- a letter that describes why you are applying, and how you propose to use a fellowship including:
- how you think this fellowship will contribute to Metcalf Foundation’s Environment Program goals
- how you think this fellowship will influence your work going forward and where you would like to be professionally in five years
- how you believe the fellowship will benefit you personally and why it is important at this point in your career
- details of any activities you propose to undertake
- how your organization will be affected by, and will accommodate your absence
- a comprehensive resume describing key accomplishments and career highlights;
- a statement of your current salary and benefits;
- a preliminary budget of expenses associated with fellowship activities;
- two letters of reference from professional colleagues who can comment on the idea, issue, model you want to explore and your capacity to undertake the proposed work;
- a letter from the Board Chair of the organization or the senior leadership, as applicable, confirming support for the initiative;
- a copy of the most recent audited statement and annual report where applicable.
A separate letter of introduction may be included. We do not encourage the inclusion of additional printed material, e.g. annual reports or newsletters. This material will not be forwarded to our advisory committee. Please note that we are unable to consider incomplete applications for funding. Please provide six paper copies of the proposal, printed double-sided, and submit an electronic version in Word to: ruthr@metcalffoundation.com.
How will applications be assessed?
Applications will be reviewed by the Foundation’s Board and staff, assisted by advisors from the community. Reviewers will want to understand how this investment will make a tangible difference to the candidate at this particular time in his/her career, and how it will contribute to his/her career, and broader contribution to society, in the future.
We will assess applicants based on the following criteria:
- fellow’s potential for future contributions to the health of Sounther Ontario’s natural and working lands;
- career history and accomplishments;
- scope and potential outcomes of proposed fellowship activities;
- potential benefits to the individual from the fellowship;
- organizational readiness to support individuals to undertake the fellowship where applicable.
How will we learn from the fellowships?
Each fellow accepted into the program determines the goals and objectives for their project. They will meet with us at the beginning of the fellowship, so we can jointly discuss how we will learn from our work and monitor progress and results. Upon completion we will support the fellow to disseminate their findings where applicable. We will also seek to create opportunities for peer learning with other fellows in the program and colleagues in the community.
Successful candidates will provide interim reports and final reports to the Foundation. These reports should describe the activities that have been undertaken and include the candidate’s reflection on the impact of the experience. A financial summary is also required.
Deadlines
Please see Deadlines.
Healthy Lands Guidelines >
Leaders In The Field Guidelines >
Application Deadlines >
Advisory Committees >
Grants Awarded >
FAQs >
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