Funding

Fully Funded

Program dates

Sep 8, 2026 – Jan 21, 2027

Fellowship•Remote

Ford Philanthropy Fellowship

Watson Institute

Application Deadline

Closed · July 26, 2026

Reopens ~Jul 2027

Official Page

The Ford Philanthropy Fellowship is a fully-funded, mostly virtual program run by the Watson Institute and backed by Ford Philanthropy. It supports entrepreneurs and community leaders advancing solutions in community development, education, and disaster preparedness and response. Fellows join a structured cohort of business and leadership workshops, receive mentorship and access to financial tools, and pitch their work at a closing virtual summit. The program pairs a short immersive window with several months of weekly sessions, plus long-term alumni support.

Benefits & funding

  • Fully-funded participation — no fees charged
  • Business and leadership workshops led by expert practitioners
  • Mentorship and access to a broad network of resources
  • Access to financial tools and resources
  • A community-development stipend to organize local “Basecamps”
  • Pitch training and a spot at the closing virtual summit
  • Long-term alumni support

Eligibility

  • Age 18 or older
  • 1–5 years leading work or operating a business with fewer than 10 team members
  • Demonstrated, measurable impact with secured funding through grants, investments, donations, or revenue
  • Located in and creating impact across Germany, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Brazil, or Vietnam
  • Able to commit ~8–10 hours per week and attend the full program, including the immersive and weekly workshops

Can you apply?

Worth a closer look

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  • Residence required

    Germany · Mexico · South Africa · Thailand · Brazil · Vietnam

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  • Experience required

    1–5 yrs

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  • Age requirement

    ≥ 18 yrs

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Sign in to check eligibility

We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.

Application process

  1. 1
    Submit the online application (about 30 minutes)
  2. 2
    Application review by the admissions committee
  3. 3
    Selected candidates complete a ~20-minute Zoom interview
  4. 4
    Final selection and enrollment confirmation

Program timeline

  1. Priority application deadline (rolling review continues until spots fill)

    Jul 26, 2026

  2. Final decisions announced

    Aug 20, 2026

  3. Virtual immersive sessions

    Sep 8, 2026 to Sep 17, 2026

  4. Program begins

    Sep 8, 2026

  5. Closing virtual summit and program end

    Jan 21, 2027