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
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
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.
