The original 2009 pilot in Silicon Valley run by Civic Ventures received high praise after an extensive, independent examination. LFA Group, a San Francisco-based independent evaluation firm, found that the “remarkably successful” program brought top-level talent and significant value to nonprofits, created a bridge for individuals eager to explore encore careers for the greater good and may help fill a looming leadership shortage in the nonprofit sector. All of the fellows (including alumni from hp and other tech companies) and nonprofit executives who responded to an LFA survey said they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the program, with almost 90 percent very satisfied.

A large percentage of the Fellows who served in 2009 and 2010 have been offered jobs at the organizations where they spent their fellowships, and many accepted permanent or temporary positions at their sponsoring organizations or other nonprofits – indicating a sustained interest in serving the social good and joint satisfaction with the assignment.