Deadline: July 26, 2026
The 2026 Ford Philanthropy Fellowship, powered by Watson Institute, is a fully funded program designed for entrepreneurs and local leaders building stronger and more resilient communities through their work, to help them scale their impact.
The Fellowship includes entrepreneurship training, committed mentorship, access to financial tools, a vast network of resources, and long-term alumni support.
Benefits
- Fully funded online training, covering topics such as pitching to investors and how to measure your impact.
- $1,000 USD stipend for community development.
- Personalized mentorships.
- Networking sessions with industry leaders.
- Global networking access with 6,000+ entrepreneurs from 81 countries.
- Opportunity to present your project at a global online summit.
Eligibility
- Located in, or creating impact on, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa or Germany.
- Applications are open for any work dedicated to helping people and strengthening communities. Included but not limited to: community development, education, mobility or disaster preparedness and response.
- Adults 18 or older.
Application
Key Dates:
- Program: September 8 – January 21, 2027
- Immersive: September 8–14, 2026 | Virtual
- Week 1: 9/8–9/11 (Tuesday–Friday)
- Week 2: 9/14–9/17 (Monday–Thursday)
- Virtual Summit: January 21, 2027. Selected Fellows present their venture pitches to an engaged audience of entrepreneurs, community leaders, Ford Philanthropy representatives, and peers.
Schedule & Weekly Time Commitment
- Weekly Workshops: Fellows participate in virtual workshops each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM MT.
- Weekly Time Commitment: 8–10 hours per week, including workshops, community building events, optional mentorship sessions, Basecamp planning and implementation, and Summit preparations.
For more information, visit Watson Institute.
