Menu

Update

Apply: PHI’s CivicSpark Seeking Partner Organizations to Host a 2026-27 Fellow

Returning organizations can apply to host a PHI CivicSpark Fellow to help advance community resilience goals, with a focus on regions disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. Applications for new partners opens March 19, 2026.

group of people smiling

Looking to host a CivicSpark fellow during their next 11-month fellowship opportunity starting in October 2026? PHI’s CivicSpark partner applications open for returning partners on Wednesday, February 18, and open for new partners on Thursday, March 19. Apply by May 14, 2026.

CivicSpark places highly motivated emerging leaders with local organizations to support research, planning, and implementation projects for community resilience. CivicSpark staff work with project partners to coordinate a positive fellowship experience. Site Supervisors provide direct project supervision of Fellows, with support from CivicSpark Regional Coordinators and other program staff.

For the last 12 years, the award-winning and evidence-based CivicSpark Fellowship program, supported by AmeriCorps, has helped over 300 communities in California, Washington, and Colorado create and implement community planning projects, while also providing a launchpad for the careers of over 1000 emerging leaders. These Fellows have supported a wide range of actions, including:

  • Conducting research, data analysis and technical assistance
  • Preparing community needs assessments
  • Supporting large-scale community planning processes
  • Planning and hosting community meetings and events
  • Leading volunteer engagement activities

 

learn more and apply
The CivicSpark program increased effectiveness by adding resources to help us do things we wouldn't otherwise have been able to do. For a smaller jurisdiction like Redmond, this has been a huge value add. Jenny Lybeck

Sustainability Program Manager, City of Redmond, WA

Partner eligibility includes:

  • Public agencies (local, county or regional governments), state agencies, Tribes, and non-profit organizations can contract directly to host CivicSpark Fellows
  • Fellows cannot be placed at for-profit organizations
  • Fellows must implement projects or initiatives with a clear scope of work designed to build organizational capacity on a community resilience issue
  • Partners must agree to follow all  AmeriCorps requirements

Learn more by downloading the 2026-26 CivicSpark Partner Flyer

CivicSpark 2026-27 Recruitment Timeline infographic

 

More Updates

Work With Us

You change the world. We do the rest. Explore fiscal sponsorship at PHI.

Bring Your Work to PHI

Support Us

Together, we can accelerate our response to public health’s most critical issues.

Donate

Find Employment

Begin your career at the Public Health Institute.

See Jobs