How to Apply

We are seeking the most knowledgeable, inquisitive, ambitious, creative, influential and highly networked leaders – the ones who are best positioned to identify and make headway on a big question.

We favor adaptive strategies, not technical fixes. We assume that the Stanton journey may not be linear, will likely involve both known stakeholders and new partners, and that it will require patience, perseverance and flexibility. Whether or not the challenge is resolved, we expect Stanton Fellows to share their lessons learned with colleagues in the field, so others can build upon that knowledge.

Each fellow designs his or her own inquiry and plan. We are looking for proposals that build on the fellow’s expertise and allow him or her to reach in new directions. Fellows should present plans that they would not otherwise be able to pursue in the course of their day-to-day work, if not for the Stanton Fellowship.

Possible use of the funds might include domestic or international travel, attending conferences, hiring research assistants or consultants, or a writing retreat. The goal is to enable fellows to expand knowledge, hone professional skills, form strategic alliances, and advance their work to the next level. The inquiry will require the fellow’s focused dedication to Stanton time, for a minimum total of three months over the two-year fellowship in blocks of two weeks or longer.

Eligibility

Individual candidates for this program should:

• Be a resident of Los Angeles County
• Be an outstanding thought leader with a demonstrated track record for at least 7 years in the nonprofit sector and government, as well as artists, movement leaders, and social entrepreneurs
• Be in a position to influence peers, policymakers and/or the general public
• Desire to participate in a cross-disciplinary network of leaders
• Present a clearly articulated proposal to work on a complex issue over a two-year period
• Develop a plan for devoting a minimum of three months over the two-year fellowship period to the project, in increments of no less than two weeks at a time
• Need financial assistance to underwrite the project
• Commit to participating in three overnight retreats and quarterly day-long meetings over a two-year period
• Not have access already to professional opportunities for research or inquiry

Review Criteria

The Stanton review panel will consider each application in light of these questions:

Is this the right person?

• Is the candidate a thought leader in his/her field and widely recognized?
• Is the candidate a “go-to” leader around the proposed inquiry topic?
• Is the candidate open to experimentation, and pursuing new and unexpected paths within the inquiry in a nonlinear fashion?
• Does the candidate have a platform and network for learning and dissemination of knowledge? (leadership position at an agency, influential community presence, media voice, etc.)
• Is there evidence that the candidate will be able to break away from the day-to-day and honor the program requirement to take blocks of time of not less than two weeks?
• Would the candidate be an engaged participant in the peer cohort, interested in sharing information, and learning from others?
• Does the candidate lack access to opportunities for research and inquiry?  For example, a tenure-track professor or student at a university would not be eligible because they have access to research and inquiry.  While we recognize that research funding is always in demand, the Stanton Fellowship is designed for leaders who typically do not have access to these opportunities.

Is this the right inquiry?

• Will the proposed inquiry have direct impact on Los Angeles?
• Has the candidate clearly articulated an inquiry that addresses a complex challenge?
• Does the candidate have a clearly articulated plan for initiating the inquiry?
• Does the proposed inquiry break new ground?
• Is the work plan sufficiently sketched out to be feasible in the Stanton time frame?
• Has the candidate given adequate thought to how s/he will expend Stanton resources and his/her time?

Is this the right time?

• Is the applicant at the right point in his/her career for a Stanton inquiry?
• Is there urgency around the proposed inquiry? Do external circumstances suggest that this topic should be pursued now?
• • Will the candidate’s schedule and circumstances be stable for the fellowship? If a candidate anticipates a professional transition in the near future she/he should not apply.