For nearly 15 years, the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation has offered the Flinn-Brown Fellowship: the premier statewide civic-leadership program for experienced Arizona leaders to expand their knowledge, put their connections to use, and make a difference in their communities.
Between 25 and 30 Arizonans from all walks of life and perspectives are selected each spring, following a highly competitive selection process, to join a network of 495 Flinn-Brown Fellows and participate in the Flinn-Brown Academy, which includes an Orientation Lunch, the annual Flinn-Brown Convention, and 12 additional full-day Academy sessions starting in August.
The application for the 2025 Flinn-Brown Fellowship is closed. The annual application period typically begins on Feb. 1, with information sessions held throughout January and February.
The 2025 Flinn-Brown Fellows were announced in May.
The application
In addition to biographical information, the 2025 application included six essay prompts regarding the applicant’s civic leadership experience, approach to a public policy issue, future civic leadership goals, response to today’s political climate, plan to utilize the Flinn-Brown Network, and perspective on state government. Applicants also provided two letters of endorsement, a current resume, a professional headshot, and a 20-second introductory video regarding their interest in the Flinn-Brown Fellowship. Additionally, applicants confirmed their commitment to attend all Academy sessions. Those selected for an interview had their employer complete an Employer Approval Form prior to the interview date.
Competitive applicants
All applicants must have resided in Arizona for at least three consecutive years within the past 10 years. The most competitive applicants demonstrate willingness to strive, risk, and cooperate to respond to statewide issues and ensure effective leadership in Arizona’s state government. Flinn-Brown seeks Arizonans with:
- A passion to be a long-term contributor to state government and state and community leadership circles;
- An established career path with demonstrated, significant contributions to their field or interest area;
- Sustained community involvement and a public profile;
- A deep curiosity about people and issues;
- The time—and personal and professional capacity—to take on a new challenge now;
- High ethical standards, commitment to civility, and a keen interest in working with people from different perspectives;
- The desire to work to attain or advance to state-level leadership in the next few years.
More information about the Flinn-Brown Fellowship, the typical application timeline, and desired candidate qualities is available on our FAQs page.
Please contact Jennifer Papworth with any questions.
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