Deadline: February 8, 2026
Applications are open for the Mountaintop Emerging Leaders Fellowship 2026. The Mountaintop Emerging Leaders Fellowship is a one-year program for the world’s most promising emerging leaders who are committed to driving systems change in lower-income communities around the world.
Now in its third year, the fellowship offers high-potential local leaders the chance to embark on a world class leadership development journey while advancing projects deeply rooted in their home communities. It is fully funded, allowing Fellows to focus entirely on their leadership journey and their impact.
Benefits
Selected Fellows receive comprehensive support throughout the fellowship year, including:
- A fully funded two‑week residential Leadership Institute in Nairobi, Kenya, covering flights, visa costs, accommodation, meals, local transportation, and program activities.
- Access to expert advisors and leadership coaching with the team.
- Project guidance and structured reflection throughout the year.
- Access to competitive micro-grants, such as Catalyst Funds of up to $1,000, to support project needs.
- Increased visibility for their work through Mountaintop platforms and networks.
- Access to the Mountaintop global community of Fellows, alumni, and partners.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered:
- You are the Founder, Co-founder, Executive Director, or a senior leader with primary decision-making responsibility for a nonprofit organization or community-based organization.
- Your organization has been operating for at least three years.
- Your work is focused on serving severely under-resourced communities.
- You have a clearly defined project or initiative that you are leading, with specific goals and activities.
- You are committed to leading your organization and serving your community for the long-term.
In addition, applicants must be:
- Able to commit full-time to their fellowship project during the fellowship year.
- Available to attend a fully funded two-week, in-person Leadership Institute in Nairobi, Kenya in October 2026.
Selection Criteria
Beyond eligibility, they look for leaders who demonstrate:
- A strong track record of responsibility, initiative, and follow-through.
- Evidence of learning through experience, including navigating challenges and constraints.
- Clarity about the problem they are working on and why it matters
- Willingness to reflect, grow, and engage openly with peers.
Application
The application process begins with an interest form and eligibility test. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to complete a full application.
For more information, visit Mountaintop Emerging Leaders Fellowship.
