The NGO Whisperer® Global Fellowship Programme is an accredited, seven-month, fully virtual leadership-development programme run by The NGO Whisperer® Centre for Social Impact — a Manchester-based (UK) consultancy for nonprofits and social enterprises, founded and convened by Carolyne A. Opinde. It is designed for founders and senior leaders of NGOs and social enterprises worldwide, with a particular focus on those from low- and middle-income countries.
Fellows work with a faculty of leadership, change-management, monitoring-and-evaluation and wellness specialists to strengthen how they lead and grow their organisations, and join a global community of change-makers. The programme runs annually; the 2026 cohort of 41 fellows runs from March to September 2026.
Benefits & funding
- One-on-one online tailored mentorship and leadership coaching
- Online masterclasses with the programme’s faculty
- All-access pass to The NGO Whisperer® Global Summit 2026
- Access to The NGO Whisperer® Global Community and alumni network
- Feature on The NGO Whisperer® Magazine and Podcast
- Duration: seven months, delivered fully online
- The official page does not state a participation fee or a cash stipend; benefits are delivered in kind.
Eligibility
- Founders and senior leaders of NGOs and social enterprises, anywhere in the world
- Particular focus on leaders from low- and middle-income countries (a stated priority, not a bar)
- Demonstrated commitment to social change, innovation and sustainability
- No nationality, degree or age restriction is stated on the official page
Can you apply?
Open to all applicants
No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.
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Application process
- 1Applications open in early November for the following year’s cohort (opened 5 November 2025 for the 2026 cohort).
- 2Complete and submit the official online application before the January deadline (16 January 2026 for the 2026 cohort).
- 3Selected applicants are contacted during the recruitment window (19–31 January 2026 for the 2026 cohort).
- 4Fellows attend the orientation ceremony (28 February 2026) and begin the programme on 1 March.
Program timeline
Applications open (2026 cohort)
Nov 5, 2025
Application deadline (2026 cohort)
Jan 16, 2026
Recruitment / selection
Jan 19, 2026 to Jan 31, 2026
Orientation ceremony
Feb 28, 2026
Fellowship starts
Mar 1, 2026
Fellowship ends
Sep 30, 2026
Graduation ceremony
Nov 25, 2026