Deadline: January 12, 2026
The Rockefeller Foundation 2026 Big Bets Fellowship: United States is a prestigious leadership development programme designed to support bold changemakers working on innovative solutions to some of the most pressing systemic challenges facing communities across the United States. The Fellowship brings together experienced leaders with transformative ideas that can drive long-term economic opportunity, workforce resilience, and community-led impact.
The Rockefeller Foundation 2026 Big Bets Fellowship: United States focuses on identifying and supporting leaders who are ready to scale ambitious ideas and translate them into real-world systems change.
About the Big Bets Fellowship
The Big Bets Fellowship is an initiative of The Rockefeller Foundation, created to empower leaders who are developing high-impact, community-centred solutions. The Fellowship supports individuals whose work aligns with the Foundation’s mission of promoting well-being, economic inclusion, and resilience.
Through a combination of leadership development, peer learning, and access to a global network, fellows are supported to sharpen their ideas, expand their influence, and accelerate meaningful change within their communities.
Fellowship Focus Areas
Applicants to the Rockefeller Foundation 2026 Big Bets Fellowship: United States should be working on bold solutions that address systemic challenges, particularly in areas such as:
- Economic opportunity and inclusion
- Workforce resilience and future-ready jobs
- Community-driven development and innovation
- Systems change that improves livelihoods and social outcomes
Projects should demonstrate the potential for scalable impact and long-term sustainability within the United States.
Who Should Apply
The Fellowship is intended for experienced changemakers who are deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Ideal applicants typically:
- Have 5–15 years of professional, entrepreneurial, or community leadership experience
- Are actively working on a solution that addresses a significant local, regional, or national challenge
- Possess lived experience, professional insight, or civic engagement connected to their work
- Can demonstrate a strong track record of collaboration and measurable impact
- Are prepared to commit time and energy to an intensive leadership development programme
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Rockefeller Foundation 2026 Big Bets Fellowship: United States, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be working on a project or initiative that impacts one or more U.S. states
- Ensure that their work directly benefits communities within the United States
- Join the Big Bets Community, which is a required step before accessing the application form
- Be available to participate fully in both virtual and in-person Fellowship activities
Membership in the Big Bets Community is free and provides access to application materials and Fellowship updates.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive a range of non-financial and developmental benefits, including:
- A tailored leadership development curriculum focused on building transformational solutions
- Opportunities for peer learning and collaboration with other high-impact leaders
- Access to a global network of innovators, mentors, and experts
- Increased visibility and amplification of their work through the Fellowship platform
- Participation in an in-person convening, with travel costs covered by The Rockefeller Foundation
(Fellows are responsible for securing any required visas.)
While benefits may vary slightly by cohort, the Fellowship is designed to provide long-term value beyond the programme period.
Application Timeline
- Application deadline: 12 January 2026
- Applications are currently open and must be submitted before the stated deadline
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in additional assessment stages
Early preparation is strongly encouraged to ensure a competitive application.
How to Apply
The application process involves the following steps:
- Join the Big Bets Community to gain access to the official application form
- Complete and submit the Fellowship application before the deadline
- Participate in any follow-up assessments if shortlisted
Applicants are advised to clearly articulate the problem they are addressing, the boldness of their solution, and the potential for scalable impact.
Need Support With Your Application?
We provide professional support for proposal drafting, refining, and review to help applicants present strong, compelling Fellowship applications.
If you would like expert guidance to strengthen your submission, contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
