Deadline: August 15, 2026
Applications are open for the Ford Philanthropy Fellowship 2026. The Ford Philanthropy Fellowship, powered by Watson Institute, is a fully-funded program designed for entrepreneurs and local leaders who are advancing solutions focused on community development, education, and disaster preparedness and response. The Fellowship includes entrepreneurship training, committed mentorship, access to financial tools, a vast network of resources, and long-term alumni support.
Benefits
- Business & Leadership Workshops: Participate in hands-on sessions focused on entrepreneurship, business acumen, and financial skills led by expert practitioners who are successful entrepreneurs and leaders themselves.
- Financial Tools & Resources: Access practical financial tools, frameworks, and workshops designed to strengthen your venture’s financial foundation. Benefit from the expertise of practitioners and Watson Institute’s broader network of specialists supporting entrepreneurs at every stage.
- Basecamps: Creating Lasting Impact: Design and lead a community-focused 1-day workshop (Basecamp) for earlier-stage entrepreneurs, with training and a stipend provided to support you in deepening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in your community.
- Pitch Training & virtual Summit: Develop and refine a professional, compelling pitch through dedicated training sessions. Showcase your organization, progress, and impact at the Summit to community partners, mentors, potential investors, and Ford Philanthropy team members.
Eligibility
- You are a local entrepreneur or community leader deeply committed to strengthening your community through your work. Your venture is creating meaningful impact by supporting people, expanding access to essential services, or creating opportunities that help communities grow, adapt, and thrive. Your work may take many forms, including improving access to resources, supporting communities in times of need, advancing education or workforce opportunities, or building long-term community resilience.
- You have firsthand experience with the challenges you seek to solve, are embedded in your community, and understand your local context. You bring an entrepreneurial spirit, a growth mindset, and a strong desire to grow as a leader while increasing your impact.
- You have been leading the work or your business/organization has been operating for 1-5 years, with fewer than 10 team members or employees. You have measurable impact to show and have secured some level or funding through grants, investments, donations, or revenue. You are ready to scale and be successful long-term.
- You must be able to commit to the full program, including the virtual Immersive and weekly workshops held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00–10:00 AM MT. They prioritize participants who are fully committed to active engagement throughout the entire program. The program’s success depends on building a strong community where all participants are enthusiastic about both learning and sharing their experiences with others.
- Applicants located in and creating impact across Germany, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Brazil, and Vietnam are encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to those impacting Ford plant cities and areas that face recurring disaster declarations.
- You seek expert-guided entrepreneurial training, a supportive community for feedback, a broad mentor network to enhance your leadership, and opportunities to challenge yourself by leading a Basecamp event and other initiatives that benefit your venture and community. You bring an entrepreneurial spirit and growth mindset to this work.
- Adults 18 or Older.
Application
Candidates complete the online application in approximately 30 minutes. Submit by the priority deadline of August 15, 2026; apply as early as possible for early consideration. Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
For more information, visit Ford Philanthropy Fellowship.
