Deadline: February 8, 2026
The Mountaintop Emerging Leaders Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded, one-year global leadership development programme designed for emerging leaders driving systems change in under-resourced communities around the world.
The Mountaintop Emerging Leaders Fellowship 2026 supports community-rooted changemakers with intensive leadership training, expert coaching, global networking opportunities, and funding support to strengthen their impact.
About the Mountaintop Emerging Leaders Fellowship 2026
The Mountaintop Emerging Leaders Fellowship is a prestigious programme created to support leaders who are committed to long-term, community-centred change. Fellows are supported not only to grow as leaders but also to advance a clearly defined project that addresses systemic challenges affecting lower-income or marginalised communities.
This fellowship places a strong emphasis on reflection, learning from experience, peer engagement, and responsible leadership.
Fellowship Duration and Structure
- Duration: One year
- Format: Combination of in-person and virtual engagement
- Residential Component: A fully funded, two-week Leadership Institute
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute Period: October 2026
What the Fellowship Covers (Benefits)
Selected fellows will receive comprehensive support, including:
- Fully funded international travel, including flights, visa costs, accommodation, meals, and local transportation for the Leadership Institute in Nairobi
- Participation in a two-week immersive Leadership Institute focused on systems leadership, strategy, and reflection
- Ongoing leadership coaching and access to expert advisors throughout the fellowship year
- Structured project support, including guidance, learning sessions, and reflection activities
- Access to micro-grants (Catalyst Funds of up to USD 1,000) to support fellowship-related project work
- Inclusion in a global network of changemakers, increasing visibility and collaboration opportunities
Who Can Apply (Eligibility Criteria)
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a Founder, Co-founder, Executive Director, or senior leader with primary decision-making authority
- Lead a non-profit or community-based organisation
- Have an organisation that has been operating for at least three years
- Work primarily with severely under-resourced communities
- Be leading a clearly defined project or initiative with specific goals and activities
- Be able to commit full-time to the fellowship project for the duration of the programme
- Be available to attend the in-person Leadership Institute in Nairobi in October 2026
Selection Criteria
Beyond eligibility, applicants are assessed based on their leadership qualities and approach, including:
- Demonstrated responsibility, initiative, and follow-through
- Ability to learn from experience, including navigating challenges and setbacks
- Clear understanding of the problem they are addressing and why it matters
- Willingness to reflect deeply, grow personally, and engage openly with peers
- Commitment to long-term, community-centred systems change
Application Process
The application process takes place in stages:
- Completion of an interest form and eligibility assessment
- Eligible candidates are invited to submit a full application
- Shortlisted applicants proceed through further review stages
Application Deadline
- Deadline: 8 February 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply well before the deadline.
Why Apply for the Mountaintop Emerging Leaders Fellowship 2026?
This fellowship is ideal for leaders who want to strengthen their leadership capacity, refine their strategic thinking, and accelerate meaningful change within their communities — all while being part of a supportive, global learning environment.
Need Support With Your Application?
We provide professional support for proposal drafting, refining, and review to help applicants submit strong, compelling fellowship applications.
📩 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
