Call for The Ford Philanthropy Fellowship 2026 is open now!!!
The Ford Philanthropy Fellowship, powered by Watson Institute, is a fully-funded program designed for entrepreneurs and local leaders who are advancing solutions focused on community development, education, and disaster preparedness and response. The Fellowship includes entrepreneurship training, committed mentorship, access to financial tools, a vast network of resources, and long-term alumni support.
Get the Youth Opportunities iOS App here for the fully-funded opportunities.
The Ford Philanthropy Fellowship is a program designed to provide comprehensive, advanced entrepreneurial training, financial stipends, committed mentorship, a vast network of resources, and long-term Alumni support to entrepreneurs and local leaders who are the champions of their communities. These entrepreneurs and local leaders are leading forward solutions to build thriving and skilled communities and to rebuild resilient communities, with a specific focus on disaster preparedness and response, across Ford’s priority markets globally. This program is fully-funded through the generous support of Ford Philanthropy.
After completing the program, Fellows join a vibrant community of changemakers with ongoing access to resources, learning opportunities, and peer support beyond the program. Alumni often report increased revenue, expanded networks, stronger leadership skills, and greater community impact as a result of their Watson Institute experience.
Watson Institute connects Fellows to a robust network of potential investors, grant makers, and partners dedicated to supporting ventures with impact. Through mentorship, pitch opportunities, and relationship-building events, Fellows gain access to introductions and resources that can accelerate their growth and sustainability.
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- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
Alumni of Watson Institute’s Fellowships have raised over $190 million, created over 2,300 paid jobs, and impacted over 11 million people around the world through initiatives they have helped lead. 93% of Watson Institute alums are employed, continuing their education, or building a venture. 85% of Watson Institute Alumni use a skill they learned while in a Watson Institute-powered program up to 12 years later. Watson Institute’s Alumni have been selected to Y Combinator, the Echoing Green Fellowship, and 11 have been named to Forbes’ 30 under 30 lists. Alums continue their education at Harvard University, New York University, and Princeton University, among others.
Benefits
- Business & Leadership Workshops
- Financial Tools & Resources
- Basecamp: Design and lead a community focus one day workshop.
- Pitch training and virtual summit
Eligibilities
- Community-focused entrepreneur or leader creating measurable local impact.
- Business/organization operating 1–5 years, with fewer than 10 team members and some funding secured.
- Able to fully commit to the program and all required sessions.
- Based in or creating impact in Germany, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Brazil, or Vietnam (priority for Ford plant cities and disaster-prone areas).
- 18 years or older.
Application Process
Applicants are required to apply online through the Apply link.
Application Deadline: July 27, 2026 (1 Day Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
