How does the Lilly Endowment Fellowship work?

Through the generosity of the Lilly Endowment, Davidson College will provide one graduating senior from the Class of 2013 with a $25,000 fellowship for a year-long exploration of a vocation to ministry or to other faith-based service.  As one of the sponsored fellowships, this award will not go to someone working directly for the Lilly Endowment, but instead to an applicant who is able to identify and secure placement in an applicable organization.  

Applicants must identify a congregation or faith-based agency (either domestic or abroad) in which to serve under the mentorship of a seasoned clergyperson or other leader. That congregation or agency will provide the Lilly Post-Graduate Fellow with salary and benefits for a 12-month period beginning in 2013. Davidson College will contribute to the organization $25,000 towards these expenses.

Applicants should submit the following to the Preministerial Committee:

Position description: Provide a detailed description of the proposed position, including specific duties and responsibilities to be undertaken.

Personal statement: Describe (in no more than 750 words) why you wish to undertake this opportunity, including reflection on how it relates to previous experiences and to exploration of long-term goals.

Résumé: Provide a professional résumé which lists academic studies and co-curricular activities, leadership positions, and accomplishments or awards.

Contact information of sponsoring congregation or agency:
Name and address of congregation / agency that would employ you
Name, title, email and phone number of contact person at the congregation / agency
Name, title, email and phone number of direct supervisor (if different from contact person)
Proposed dates of employment (must be 12 months, beginning in 2013)

Letter from congregation or agency: Candidates should supply a letter from the prospective supervisor in the congregation / agency indicating willingness to employ the Fellow under the terms indicated.

Application deadline: February 15 (or until awarded)

Selection Process
The Davidson College Preministerial Committee will review written applications and schedule interviews with selected candidates during the last two weeks of February, with the intention of awarding the Fellowship by March 1, 2013 or as soon thereafter as feasible.

Students with questions about the Lilly Endowment opportunity should contact The Rev. Rob Spach, College Chaplain at rospach@davidson.edu or in the Office of the Chaplain, 4th Floor, Alvarez Student Union.