Alumni Leadership Council

The Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) is GMF’s premier alumni engagement initiative, designed to connect, empower, and celebrate our 4,000-strong network of transatlantic leaders. Through annual membership at various levels, ALC members gain access to exclusive events, policy briefings, networking opportunities, and the chance to shape the future of GMF’s leadership programs. ALC brings together alumni to strengthen democratic values and deepen transatlantic ties.

Alumni Leadership Council

Expand All

Letter from Sarah Jones, Managing Director, GMF Leadership Programs

Dear GMF Alumni and Partners, 

At a time of rapid change in the transatlantic sphere, the importance of connection, collaboration, and shared leadership has never been clearer. GMF’s 4,000-strong alumni community stands as a testament to the power of networks in strengthening democratic values, advancing cohesion across borders, and driving innovation at the local, national, and international levels. 

We are pleased to invite you to join the relaunch of GMF’s Alumni Leadership Council (ALC), a platform designed to connect alumni across sectors, generations, and borders to engage in timely conversations, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the transatlantic relationship. Through this membership, you will gain exclusive opportunities to stay connected to GMF’s work, access insights from leading experts, and participate in virtual and in-person convenings that foster dialogue, learning, and action. 

The ALC builds on a proud tradition of alumni giving back to the fellowship programs that shaped their leadership journeys. All funds collected through ALC will support current fellowship programs and expansion of alumni engagement efforts. GMF is working toward expanding alumni-led initiatives, such as grants and projects, but this relaunch focuses on reconnecting the network through meaningful engagement, virtually and in person. 

My Leadership Program colleagues and I invite you to participate in this next chapter of alumni engagement. Together, we can strengthen the transatlantic relationship, champion democratic values, and inspire the next generation of leaders. 

I hope you will join us in this effort today. 

In partnership, 

Sarah Jones 

Managing Director, GMF Leadership Programs 

Membership Levels

Expand All

Bronze Membership Benefits:

Recognition on the GMF website, which serves as the hub of a vast network of stakeholders invested in transatlantic relations
Invitation to public GMF events
Access to exclusive monthly policy briefings from the GMF network
Priority access to alumni gatherings

Silver Membership Benefits:

All bronze benefits plus:

invitation to the annual “State of GMF” exclusive internal briefing from the organization’s executive leadership

invitation to annual “State of GMF” Leadership Programs Townhall to hear updates and readouts on the Marshall Memorial Fellowship (MMF), the Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network (TILN), the Schuman Challenge, the EU-US Young Leaders Seminar, and alumni engagement

priority access to participating in the 2026 MMF selection process and mentorship program

Gold Membership Benefits:

All silver membership benefits plus:

opportunity to pitch a co-hosted event in conjunction with GMF offices (Berlin, Brussels, and Washington, DC)
priority registration for 2026 Marshall Seminar

Platinum Membership Benefits:

All gold membership benefits plus:

exclusive invitations to GMF signature events: Philon Lecture, Mediterranean Strategy Group, Paris Breakfast, Berlin Roundtable, Annual GMF dinner with the board of trustees

opportunity to pitch a piece for publication on the GMF website

access to register for the 2027 Thematic Study Tour in Europe

Membership Terms

Expand All

ALC 2026 Membership Terms

The ALC is an annual membership program designed to engage, connect, and celebrate GMF Leadership Program alumni through exclusive benefits and opportunities.  

Membership is available to alumni of GMF’s leadership programs, initiatives, and groups, including the Marshall Memorial Fellowship (MMF), Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network (TILN), Manfred Wörner Seminar, Policy Designers Network, Euro-Atlantik Seminar, Leadership Lab, Transatlantic Forum for Migration and Integration, Journalism fellows, Research Fellowship, Tremezzo Young Leader participants, Alliance of Civilizations International Fellowship, APSA Congressional Fellowship, Arthur Burns alumni, Bosch fellows, Campus fellows, Legacy Heritage fellows, New Länder fellows, Peter Weitz Award winners, Asmus Policy Entrepreneurs Fellowship, and New Länder Fellowship. 

Membership is offered at four levels—Bronze ($250), Silver ($500), Gold ($1,000), and Platinum ($5,000)—each with a unique package of benefits. Memberships are valid for one year, are nontransferable, and are not automatically renewed. Members will be notified with renewal options and benefit updates prior to the end of the membership term. All membership contributions are final and nonrefundable. GMF offers only a single-installment payment option.

All funds collected through the ALC are used solely for GMF’s Leadership Programs including the MMF, alumni engagement opportunities, and any activities related to the enhancement of the alumni experience.

GMF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and your donation is tax deductible within the guidelines of US law. GMF is enrolled in the Transnational Giving Europe Program and, accordingly, can facilitate tax-efficient giving for taxpayers in select European countries. For further information, please contact [email protected].

By joining the ALC, members agree to abide by GMF’s terms of use, privacy policy, and all additional relevant policies and procedures. GMF reserves the right to revoke membership at any time if a member’s actions are found to be inconsistent with GMF’s mission, values, or policies, or if a member misuses ALC services or benefits. 

FAQs

Expand All

Can I enroll in ALC during the 2026 cycle? 

Enrollment for ALC 2026 membership closes on December 31, 2025. If you wish to join after the enrollment deadline, please contact [email protected].  

Will my membership automatically renew next year? 

No, your membership will not automatically be renewed. Enrollment for the ALC 2027 cycle will open in mid-2026.  You will receive a renewal notice and a revised list of benefits for 2027. 

I enrolled in ALC in 2025—do I receive 2026 benefits? 

Yes. Donations made in 2025 count as registration for ALC 2026. You will receive the full set of benefits associated with your membership level throughout the 2026 cycle. 

Upgrading or downgrading benefits 

Benefit levels are determined on an annual basis. While you cannot change your membership level in the active membership year, you can upgrade or downgrade your membership level during the annual renewal period. 

Is my donation secure? 

Yes. Your security and privacy is our highest priority. We use industry-standard SSL technology to keep your information safe and secure. 

Do I get a receipt? 

Yes, we’ll send a receipt to the email address you provide when donating. The receipt will include your donation details, such as the date, amount, and any beneficiary information. 

Is my donation tax deductible? 

The German Marshall Fund of the United States is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, and your donation is tax deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Please keep your receipt as your official record. We'll email it to you upon successful completion of your donation. 

Where does my donation go? 

All GMF ALC membership fees will be used for GMF alumni engagement such as conferences or seminars and GMF's Marshall Memorial Fellowship or Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network. 

Alumni Leadership Council