Apply for the 2027 Cohort!

Applications are now open for the 2027 Natural Helpers Fellowship. This cohort-style leadership program is looking for people who are making moves in their communities to join us!

The Natural Helpers Fellowship brings together community leaders who serve as trusted first points of contact for friends, family, and neighbors in need. During the fellowship, Fellows strengthen their connections with local organizations, enhance their skills in resource-sharing, and gain valuable insights into civic engagement, all to better support our diverse communities.

The fellowship is an intensive and immersive 5-month program running from late January to early June where fellows connect deeply with the people and organizations of the greater Portland area. During the training, Fellows learn in detail about the community resources available in Maine while examining ways to make systems stronger. Throughout they make connections with other community and organizational leaders with whom they can share challenges, experiences, and best practices.

By graduation, each Natural Helper Fellow receives education, career advancement opportunities, community stipend funds and a stable social networking that results in economic mobility, educational credentials and a mayoral certificate.

Questions?
Reach out to the City of Portland Office of Economic Opportunity if you would like to learn more about the Natural Helpers fellowship, or have any additional questions.