Watson Institute’s Ford Philanthropy Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)

The 2026 Ford Philanthropy Fellowship

Priority Applications Deadline: July 26, 2026.

Empowering local entrepreneurs and leaders with entrepreneurial training, expert-led workshops, and a powerful network to build stronger, more resilient communities.

Check eligibility requirements below

The Fellowship Offers

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.

Business & Leadership Workshops

Participate in hands-on sessions focused on entrepreneurship, business acumen, and financial skills led by expert practitioners who are successful entrepreneurs and leaders themselves.

Financial Tools & Resources

Access practical financial tools, frameworks, and workshops designed to strengthen your venture’s financial foundation. Benefit from the expertise of practitioners and Watson Institute’s broader network of specialists supporting entrepreneurs at every stage.

Basecamps: Creating Lasting Impact

Design and lead a community-focused 1-day workshop (Basecamp) for earlier-stage entrepreneurs, with training and a stipend provided to support you in deepening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in your community.

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Pitch Training & virtual Summit

Develop and refine a professional, compelling pitch through dedicated training sessions. Showcase your organization, progress, and impact at the Summit to community partners, mentors, potential investors, and Ford Philanthropy team members.

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Experts You Will Learn From

We recruit experts and entrepreneurs with the specific expertise needed to best serve you. They are brought on to share their insights, facilitate our workshops, and provide 1-on-1 guidance. Preceptors from the 2024-2025 Ford Philanthropy Fellowship included:

Cole Hoover

Designer of Impact Networks | Strategic Facilitator | Purpose Coach

Kimberly Moore

EdTech CEO | Chronic Absenteeism & Mobility Strategist | Advisor to Schools Ready for Change

Sarah Windrum

Head of Clister Development | UKSPA Committee Chair | Nachural Business Woman of the Year 2021

Key Dates

Program: September 8 – January 21, 2027
Immersive: September 8–14, 2026 | Virtual
- Week 1: 9/8–9/11 (Tuesday–Friday)
- Week 2: 9/14–9/17 (Monday–Thursday)
Virtual Summit: January 21, 2027. Selected Fellows present their venture pitches to an engaged audience of entrepreneurs, community leaders, Ford Philanthropy representatives, and peers.

Schedule & Weekly Time Commitment

Weekly Workshops: Fellows participate in virtual workshops each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM MT.
Weekly Time Commitment: 8–10 hours per week, including workshops, community building events, optional mentorship sessions, Basecamp planning and implementation, and Summit preparations.

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Eligibility: Is This Fellowship for Me?

Here is who we are looking for

Who you are:

You are a local entrepreneur or community leader deeply committed to strengthening your community through your work. Your venture is creating meaningful impact by supporting people, expanding access to essential services, or creating opportunities that help communities grow, adapt, and thrive. Your work may take many forms, including improving access to resources, supporting communities in times of need, advancing education or workforce opportunities, or building long-term community resilience.

You have firsthand experience with the challenges you seek to solve, are embedded in your community, and understand your local context. You bring an entrepreneurial spirit, a growth mindset, and a strong desire to grow as a leader while increasing your impact.

Your Business Stage:

You have been leading the work or your business/organization has been operating for 1-5 years, with fewer than 10 team members or employees. You have measurable impact to show and have secured some level or funding through grants, investments, donations, or revenue. You are ready to scale and be successful long-term.

Your Commitment:

You must be able to commit to the full program, including the virtual Immersive and weekly workshops held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00–10:00 AM MT. We prioritize participants who are fully committed to active engagement throughout the entire program. The program’s success depends on building a strong community where all participants are enthusiastic about both learning and sharing their experiences with others.

Where You Work:

Applicants located in and creating impact across Germany, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Brazil, and Vietnam are encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to those impacting Ford plant cities and areas that face recurring disaster declarations.

What You Are Looking For:

You seek expert-guided entrepreneurial training, a supportive community for feedback, a broad mentor network to enhance your leadership, and opportunities to challenge yourself by leading a Basecamp event and other initiatives that benefit your venture and community. You bring an entrepreneurial spirit and growth mindset to this work.