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?
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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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