About the Fellowship
The Fellowship is a 13-month leadership development program modeled after top-tier executive training initiatives. Its primary goal is to accelerate the growth and impact of nonprofit organizations by equipping leaders with the tools, confidence, and strategies they need to scale.
Key Features of the Program
- Executive Coaching – Personalized guidance from experienced coaches to strengthen leadership skills.
- Scaling Up Curriculum – Structured learning modules focused on organizational growth and sustainability.
- Peer Circles – Collaborative learning with other Fellows to share experiences and solutions.
- Team Empowerment – Strategies to involve co-founders and staff in collective growth.
- Lifelong Alumni Network – Continued access to a global community of changemakers.
- Curated Grants – Opportunities to secure funding through exclusive partnerships.
- Annual Summit – A gathering of Fellows and mentors to exchange ideas and celebrate progress.
Selective and Prestigious
The Fellowship is not just another leadership program, it is a highly competitive opportunity.
- Over 1,000+ leaders apply each year.
- Only ~30 Fellows are selected annually.
- Fellows join a global community of 250+ alumni serving children and youth in more than 120 countries.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are chosen based on:
- Vision and leadership potential.
- Organizations that are ready to scale.
- Commitment to serving children and youth.
- Openness to coaching, peer learning, and accountability.
Impact of the Fellowship
The Gratitude Network Fellowship is an investment with exponential returns. Its impact is felt across three levels:
For Leaders
- Fellows report stronger leadership skills.
- Increased confidence in decision-making and strategic planning.
For Organizations
- Significant growth in organizational scaling capacity.
- Average revenue growth within three years post-Fellowship.
- Development of multi-year strategic plans to execute their vision.
For Beneficiaries
- A measurable increase in the number of children and youth served.
- Expansion of holistic models for child support, education, and family livelihood initiatives.
Many Fellows go on to receive prestigious accolades such as:
- Forbes 30 Under 30
- Echoing Green Fellowships
- Ashoka Changemakers
- Goldman Sachs 10KSB
- Funding from organizations like the Gates Foundation, Mulago Foundation, and others.
Tuition and Scholarships
Thanks to generous supporters, the Fellowship program is subsidized to ensure accessibility.
- A tiered pricing model allows candidates to select the level that best reflects their organization’s financial capacity.
- Around 65% of Fellows receive full or partial scholarships, ensuring equity and inclusion.
- Leaders who select higher tiers directly contribute to the sustainability of the program, enabling resource-constrained organizations to participate.
Who Should Apply
The Fellowship seeks ambitious, impact-driven nonprofit leaders who:
- Serve children and youth.
- Are ready to run their nonprofit with the discipline of a business.
- Value coaching, peer learning, and accountability.
- Aspire to raise the ceiling of possibility for their organization.
- The application process includes a two-part written application and a video submission, ensuring that only the most dedicated leaders are selected.
Application Timeline
- Application Open (Part 1): November 19, 2025 – February 6, 2026
- Submit the online Part 1 application by February 6, 2026.
- Application Part 2 (Selected Applicants): Due February 20, 2026
- Only applicants who pass Part 1 are invited to complete Part 2.
- Finalist Virtual Interviews: By April 21, 2026
- Shortlisted candidates participate in interviews with the Fellowship team.
- Cohort Selection & Tuition Confirmation: By May 1, 2026
- Final Fellows are chosen and confirm their participation.
- Public Announcement & Fellowship Kick-off: June 2026
- The new cohort is publicly announced and the program officially begins. Learn More.
The Gratitude Network Fellowship is more than a leadership program, it is a transformative journey. By combining executive coaching, peer learning, and access to a global network, it empowers nonprofit leaders to scale their organizations and maximize their impact on children and youth worldwide.
For leaders who are ready to take their vision to the next level, Apply Now and join a lifelong community of changemakers.
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