ARNOVA 2026 Professional Development Programs

Emerging Scholars

Emerging Scholars Research Roundtables

Emerging scholars participate in an intensive peer-review roundtable process during the 55th Annual Conference, receiving in-depth feedback on research papers to help prepare them for publication. Established scholars in the field facilitate the roundtables and provide additional guidance. Each participant both submits work for review and serves as a reviewer for 2–4 peers' papers.

Abstract Deadline July 1, 2026

Eligibility

PhD students, post-docs, and assistant professors within the first 3 years of employment
Recent PhD graduates in practitioner positions also eligible
Research must focus on philanthropy, voluntary action, civil society, or the nonprofit/NGO sector
Open to participants from any country, institution, or academic discipline
Submissions must be in preparation for stand-alone journal articles — dissertation proposals or book chapters are not eligible
Co-authored work accepted; lead author must participate. Solo-authored papers prioritized

Scholarship & Benefits

$100 off conference registration
Lunch provided on Thursday of the conference
Feedback from and connection with senior scholars
Recognition in the conference program

Participant Commitments

Review 2–4 peers' papers and provide constructive, in-depth feedback
Confirm in-person attendance at the 2026 ARNOVA conference
Confirm submission is a paper (not dissertation proposal or chapter)

Key Dates

Extended Abstract (~1,000 words)

July 1, 2026

Acceptance Notification

August 1, 2026

Full Draft Due (4,000–8,000 words)

September 1, 2026

Updated Draft (Optional)

~One month before conference

Research Roundtables

November 19–21, 2026

Note: The same manuscript may be submitted here and through the regular conference proposal system.

Submit Abstract Questions? Contact danbi.seo@asu.edu or fyall@uw.edu

Doctoral Fellowship

Doctoral Fellowship Program

Provides intellectual and research advice, mentoring, and networking opportunities to 10 doctoral candidates pursuing studies related to nonprofit, philanthropic, voluntary action, or civil society studies. Students are grouped by dissertation topic, method, and theory for targeted feedback from faculty mentors.

Deadline Passed June 8, 2026

Applications for the 2026 Doctoral Fellowship Program are now closed. Please review the information below for reference only.

Eligibility

Doctoral students with dissertation research in nonprofit, philanthropy, voluntary action, or civil society
Preference for students earlier in the dissertation process
Ideal candidate has recently defended or will defend proposal by November 2026
Must be an active ARNOVA member to receive scholarship benefits
First-time participants given priority; prior participants considered if spots remain

Note: Applicants may apply for multiple scholarships but may only accept one.

Award

Complimentary conference registration (student early-bird rate)
One night of conference lodging (Wednesday)
Wednesday dinner

Commitments if Selected

Submit a 10-page document by October 30th
Submit a 10-minute video presentation by October 30th
Attend pre-conference Doctoral Fellows Seminar: Wed. Nov. 18, 1–8 PM
Participate in the full ARNOVA Annual Conference (Nov. 19–21)

Key Dates

Submission Deadline

June 8, 2026

Acceptance Notification

June 30, 2026

Materials Due to Faculty

October 30, 2026

Doctoral Fellows Seminar

November 18, 2026 · 1–8 PM

Application Includes

Cover sheet (name, affiliation, email, mailing address, dissertation title, defense date)
3-page single-spaced dissertation description
Brief benefit statement (2,000 character limit)
Letter of recommendation from dissertation advisor or committee member

Applications Closed Questions? Contact Dr. Rebecca Nesbit at beckynesbit@uga.edu

Diversity & Inclusion

Graduate Diversity Scholars & Leaders Professional Development Program

A Professional Development Workshop focused on helping emerging scholars from Black and Brown underrepresented groups prepare to enter the field of nonprofit, philanthropic, and voluntary action studies. Eight participants are invited to attend the pre-conference PDW on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA.

Deadline Passed June 20, 2026

Applications for the 2026 Graduate Diversity Scholars & Leaders Professional Development Program are now closed. Please review the information below for reference only.

Eligibility

Must be an active ARNOVA member at time of application
Enrolled in an accredited graduate program focused on philanthropic, nonprofit, or voluntary action studies
Preference given to those pursuing doctoral studies in these areas
Actively seeks applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups: African American, Latinx, Native American, Asian American
Previous Graduate Diversity Program participants are not eligible to reapply

Key Dates

Submission Deadline

June 20, 2026

Acceptance Notification

July 20, 2026

Professional Development Workshop

November 18, 2026

ARNOVA Annual Conference

November 19–21, 2026

Note: Applicants may apply for multiple scholarships but may only accept one.

Award

Complimentary conference registration (early bird rate)
Recognition in the conference program: participants will be formally recognized in the ARNOVA conference program, highlighting their selection and engagement in the Diversity Scholars and Leaders Program
Two nights of conference lodging (Wednesday & Thursday): to ensure participants can fully engage in both the Professional Development Workshop and conference experience
Wednesday dinner: designed to build community, foster meaningful connections, and engage in informal dialogue with peers and scholars
Structured Professional Development Workshop: engagement with scholars and peers through guided discussions and activities during the workshop, designed to support participants' academic, research, and professional growth
Post-Program Check-ins: to provide opportunities for reflection, encouragement, and continued connection as participants navigate their next steps
A Collaborative Scholar Community: this program is designed as the beginning of an extended experience, creating a supportive, collaborative space where participants can build lasting relationships, exchange ideas, and grow alongside a network of peers

Program Details

8 participants selected
Pre-conference Professional Development Workshop
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
ARNOVA Annual Conference · Philadelphia, PA

Applications Closed