Grant opportunity
Ford Philanthropy Fellowship 2026
A fully funded fellowship for impact-focused entrepreneurs and local leaders building stronger and more resilient communities.
- Funder
- Watson Institute and Ford Philanthropy
- Priority applications close 26 July 2026; rolling review continues until places are filled
- Priority applications close 26 July 2026; rolling review continues until places are filled: Jul 26, 2026
- Award
- Fully funded virtual fellowship with training, mentorship, financial tools and alumni support
- Applicant
- Entrepreneurs and community leaders advancing solutions in community development, education, economic mobility, or disaster preparedness and response.
- Discipline
- Business, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Region
- Global
- Posted
- Jul 24, 2026
Call summary
Overview
The programme provides practical entrepreneurship education, expert workshops, mentorship and a global network from September 2026 to January 2027.
Who can apply
Applicants should lead an operating venture or organisation with measurable community impact and a clear pathway for growth.
What it supports
- Business and leadership workshops.
- Mentorship and financial tools.
- Venture development, peer learning and a virtual summit.
Funding and duration
- The fellowship is fully funded.
- Selected fellows receive programme training, mentorship, network access and long-term alumni support.
Priority applications close 26 July 2026; rolling review continues until places are filled
Priority applications close 26 July 2026; rolling review continues until places are filled: Jul 26, 2026
How to apply
Review the eligibility guidance and submit the official Watson Institute application as early as possible.
Call details
Source-based overview
Watson Institute and Ford Philanthropy invite entrepreneurs and community leaders to a fully funded virtual fellowship focused on strengthening ventures that support local economic and community resilience.
Eligibility
Applicants should lead an operating venture or organisation with measurable community impact and a clear pathway for growth.
Funding and benefits
The fellowship is fully funded.
Selected fellows receive programme training, mentorship, network access and long-term alumni support.
Themes and supported activities
Business and leadership workshops.
Mentorship and financial tools.
Venture development, peer learning and a virtual summit.
Deadline and timeline
Priority applications close 26 July 2026; rolling review continues until places are filled: Priority applications close 26 July 2026; rolling review continues until places are filled: Jul 26, 2026.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Review the eligibility guidance and submit the official Watson Institute application as early as possible.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.