The Mulago Foundation runs two one-year fellowships for leaders of for-profit and nonprofit organizations: Rainer Arnhold Fellows tackle poverty, Henry Arnhold Fellows conservation or climate. About 20 fellows are chosen each year.
Fellows spend the year designing for impact at scale through two week-long in-person retreats, coaching and peer sessions. The fellowship is the only route into Mulago’s longer-term funding portfolio.
Benefits & funding
- $200k to the organization (fellowships page and FAQ; unrestricted, or restricted to charitable purposes for for-profit fellows); the How We Fund page says $100K.
- Two week-long in-person retreats bookending the year, plus coaching on design, strategy and communications.
- Monthly facilitated peer coaching, expert advisors and a community of 250+ fellows.
- Every fellow is considered for longer-term Mulago funding afterwards.
Eligibility
- Leaders of an organization with a scalable solution that improves life for the poor or protects the environment (health, education, livelihoods, water and sanitation, environment).
- Rainer track: poverty; Henry track: conservation or climate.
- For-profits and nonprofits both qualify; founders are mostly early stage.
- No direct applications: candidates come through Mulago’s referral network.
- No nationality, location, degree or age limit is published; Mulago works wherever the need is.
Can you apply?
Check who can apply
No nationality, residency, education, experience, gender or age limit is listed. The other conditions are under Eligibility.
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We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Be referred during sourcing (July–September) by Mulago’s network; Mulago’s Links subscribers can send referrals.
- 2If invited, complete one short form (about an hour) during screening, October–January.
- 3Two staff review each form independently; up to three conversations with the leader follow.
- 4The class is chosen in early 2027 and every applicant hears back.
Program timeline
Referral sourcing (closed)
Jul–Sep 2026
Screening and conversations
Oct 2026–Jan 2027
Selection
Early 2027
First retreat
Q2 2027
Second retreat
Q2 2028