They find the brightest leaders with the best ideas for social innovation as early as possible. And then they do everything we can to make sure they succeed. They work at the intersection of social justice and social innovation, connecting their expertise and global networks to emerging leaders creating long-lasting social change. They are social entrepreneurs, nonprofit advisors, business strategists, data scientists, trained facilitators, and digital connectors. They have 30+ years of experience and are the leading incubator for social impact startups. Each of them approaches their work with passion and a dedication to supporting the change their Fellows are making in the world. We value social justice, innovation, inclusivity, and community. They’ve designed a world-class global search process that elevates better indicators of potential than a business plan alone, prioritizes diversity of experience and perspective, and offers a learning experience for all applicants.
Through Fellowships and other innovative leadership initiatives, Echoing Green spots emerging leaders and invests deeply in their success to accelerate their impact. They provide seed-funding and leadership development to a new class of Fellows every year and welcome them into a lifelong community of leaders.
For 35 years, Echoing Green has been on the front lines of solving the world’s biggest problems, raising up the transformational leaders willing to speak truth to power and challenge the status quo.
They are the best at what we do, and have the trust, experience, and results to prove it. Their community of almost 1,000 social innovators includes first lady Michelle Obama, major public figures like Van Jones, and the founders of Teach for America and One Acre Fund.
In 1987, growth equity firm General Atlantic officially launched Echoing Green, naming it after a William Blake poem about creating a better world. They supported their first promising young entrepreneur, Diana Propper de Callejon, to create an alternative economic base for Amazonian residents that was not based on deforestation. Today, General Atlantic continues to be one of Echoing Green’s strongest advocates—and Diana is on their Board of Directors.
In 2002, Echoing Green Fellow Cheryl L. Dorsey took over the leadership and reshaped the organization into a global nonprofit. More than a decade later, the Fellowship Programs continue to be Echoing Green’s cornerstone, providing seed funding to social entrepreneurs launching bold new organizations to create positive systemic change.
They invite you to learn more about their current work and collective impact.
Benefits
- Capacity building
Leadership Development
A comprehensive program to build and grow leadership skills and develop the strategies needed for ideas to thrive.
Wellness and Wellbeing Support
Ongoing support focuses on mental and emotional wellbeing along with self-care workshops designed specifically for the struggles of entrepreneurship.
- Capital
Expert Resources
The programs team facilitates the Fellow experience and connects these leaders to experts and opportunities according to their needs.
Seed Funding
A stipend over 18 months (80,000 USD). Funding offered to for-profit organizations is in the form of recoverable grants.
- COMMUNITY
Virtual and In-Person Convenings
Gatherings to connect Fellows within and across classes, regions, and communities to build strong ties among Fellows over their entrepreneurial journey.
Expert Support
A suite of pro-bono support from leading professionals to build organizational capacity and help navigate the social innovation field.
Opportunities to connect with experienced business leaders committed to supporting positive social change globally.
Eligibilities
- Will you be 18 years or older by the time you begin the Fellowship?
- Echoing Green Fellowship applicants must be 18 years or older by August 8, 2022.
- Are you able to communicate proficiently in English?
- To be eligible for the Fellowship and fully participate in programming and support offerings, you must be able to communicate in English proficiently. Support throughout the Echoing Green Fellowship is offered in English.
- Are you an original founder or a leading member of your proposed organization’s original founding team?
- We use the term “original founder” to describe people who launched or are launching an organization that is their original idea. You cannot have assumed a leadership position within the organization after its founding. To be eligible, you must be a leader with decision-making power within the organization and be either 1) a sole founder or 2) a leading founder on a team of people who created the organization.
- Are you the primary decision maker for your organization?
- To be eligible for an Echoing Green Fellowship, applicants must be the primary decision maker and have the ultimate authority over your organization’s growth and strategic vision.
- Will you be able to work full time on your proposed organization throughout the 18-month Fellowship?
- If selected for an Echoing Green Fellowship, you may hold other professional responsibilities, but you must work full time, defined here as 40 hours a week, on the work outlined in your Fellowship application, and it must remain as your main professional priority.
Eligible Regions: Open to all nationalities.
Application Process
Apply through apply now link.
Application Deadline: January 7, 2023
Application ClosedOfficial link
