Ford Philanthropy Fellowship 2026—Fully-funded training + $1,000 stipend

The Ford Philanthropy Fellowship, powered by Watson Institute, is a fully funded program designed for entrepreneurs and local leaders to help them scale their impact. The fellowship includes a 4-month program from September 8, 2026, to January 21, 2027, with 8-10 hours of weekly commitment. The program aims to support entrepreneurs and leaders in creating meaningful impact in their communities.

Overview

The Ford Philanthropy Fellowship is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and local leaders to receive fully funded training, mentorship, and support to scale their impact. The program covers topics such as pitching to investors and measuring impact, and provides a $1,000 USD stipend for community development.

• Entrepreneurship training covering topics such as pitching to investors and measuring impact
• Personalized mentorships with industry leaders
• Networking sessions with a global network of over 6,000 entrepreneurs from 81 countries
• Opportunity to present your project at a global online summit
• Access to financial tools and resources
• Long-term alumni support and networking opportunities

Eligibility

Applicants located in and creating impact across Germany, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Brazil, and Vietnam are encouraged to apply, with priority given to those impacting Ford plant cities and areas that face recurring disaster declarations. Applicants should have been leading their work or have a business/organization operating for 1-5 years, with fewer than 10 team members or employees, and have measurable impact and some level of funding secured.

• Leading work or business/organization operating for 1-5 years
• Fewer than 10 team members or employees
• Measurable impact and some level of funding secured
• Adults 18 or older

Benefits

• Fully funded online training
• $1,000 USD stipend for community development
• Personalized mentorships with industry leaders
• Networking sessions with a global network of over 6,000 entrepreneurs from 81 countries
• Opportunity to present your project at a global online summit

How to Apply

The application process for the Ford Philanthropy Fellowship is now open, with a priority deadline of July 26, 2026, and a final deadline of August 15, 2026. To apply, applicants should submit their applications through the provided link.

• Submit application through the provided link
• Ensure all required documents and information are included
• Applications will be reviewed and selected fellows will be notified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ford Philanthropy Fellowship?

The Ford Philanthropy Fellowship is a fully funded program designed for entrepreneurs and local leaders to help them scale their impact.

What are the eligibility criteria for the fellowship?

Applicants should have been leading their work or have a business/organization operating for 1-5 years, with fewer than 10 team members or employees, and have measurable impact and some level of funding secured.

What are the benefits of the fellowship?

The fellowship provides fully funded online training, a $1,000 USD stipend for community development, personalized mentorships, and networking opportunities with a global network of over 6,000 entrepreneurs from 81 countries.

What is the time commitment for the fellowship?

The fellowship requires a weekly time commitment of 8-10 hours, with virtual workshops held every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM MT.

What is the application deadline for the fellowship?

The priority deadline is July 26, 2026, and the final deadline is August 15, 2026.

What happens after the fellowship?

Selected fellows will have access to long-term alumni support and networking opportunities, and will be able to present their project at a global online summit.