Ashoka Fellowship: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn about the Ashoka Fellowship, which provides stipends and global network support for social entrepreneurs driving systemic change.
The Ashoka Fellowship is a program designed to support social entrepreneurs who are building innovative ideas to create large-scale change in society.
Who it's for
This fellowship is intended for social entrepreneurs who have developed innovative ideas meant to drive systemic change. It is specifically for those who are working on social impact projects and looking to scale their initiatives. The program seeks individuals who are not just running small-scale projects, but are focused on creating wide-reaching influence through their ventures.
What you get
If you are selected for the fellowship, you receive a stipend to help support your social venture. In addition to this financial support, you gain access to a global network of support, allowing you to connect with others working on similar social impact goals around the world.
What it costs you
There is no direct fee to apply, but the "cost" of this fellowship is measured in time and proven results. You must be able to demonstrate years of proven impact through your existing work to be considered. Additionally, the selection process is thorough and takes a significant amount of time, typically lasting between 6 and 12 months from the start of the process.
The catch to know
The most important thing to understand is the difference between charity and systemic change. The fellowship looks for models that can transform how an entire system operates to solve a problem. If your work is focused primarily on local charity work rather than creating systemic shifts, it may not meet the specific criteria they are looking for.
How to apply
- Visit the official website to understand the current requirements for social entrepreneurs.
- Compile evidence and documentation that demonstrates your years of proven impact.
- Ensure your social venture's goals focus on systemic change rather than just local service.
- Follow the submission instructions on the official portal.