Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship 2027 | Global Leadership Fellowship with US$5,000 Stipend for Emerging Changemakers
The Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship is a prestigious leadership development programme designed for emerging leaders who are creating bold solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The fellowship brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, policy leaders, nonprofit professionals, researchers, and community changemakers to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their networks, and accelerate high-impact initiatives that improve lives and create lasting systemic change.
The programme is fully funded by The Rockefeller Foundation and includes an immersive leadership curriculum, mentorship, global networking opportunities, virtual and in-person convenings, and a US$5,000 stipend for each fellow. Applications for the 2026 cohorts have closed, but interested leaders can join the Big Bets Community to receive updates about future fellowship opportunities, including expected future application cycles.
About The Rockefeller Foundation
Founded in 1913, The Rockefeller Foundation is one of the world’s leading philanthropic organizations. For more than a century, it has supported initiatives that improve public health, strengthen food systems, expand economic opportunity, promote renewable energy, and advance innovation around the world.
The Foundation’s work focuses on creating scalable solutions that address global challenges while improving opportunities for underserved communities. Through its “Big Bets” approach, the Foundation supports ambitious ideas capable of producing transformative and measurable impact.
What Is the Big Bets Fellowship?
The Big Bets Fellowship is a five-month leadership development programme that supports emerging leaders who are ready to scale bold ideas with the potential to transform systems and improve lives.
Rather than providing project implementation grants, the fellowship focuses on strengthening the individual behind the idea by investing in leadership development, strategic thinking, storytelling, partnerships, and global networking.
Participants become part of an interdisciplinary cohort of changemakers working across sectors and join a growing global network of Big Bets Fellows from Africa, the United States, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive a range of professional development opportunities, including:
- US$5,000 stipend (subject to applicable taxes).
- Five-month leadership development programme.
- Experiential learning curriculum.
- Leadership coaching and mentorship.
- Virtual learning sessions.
- In-person convening at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center in Italy.
- Global networking opportunities.
- Membership in the Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets network.
- Opportunities to showcase their work through curated events and partnerships.
- Continued access to post-fellowship programming and community engagement.
What Fellows Learn
The fellowship focuses on helping participants strengthen three core leadership areas:
Theory of Change
Participants learn how to design and refine strategies that create lasting, measurable impact while addressing complex social challenges.
Partnership Building
Fellows develop skills for building strategic collaborations across governments, nonprofits, businesses, philanthropy, and communities.
Storytelling
The programme helps leaders communicate their ideas more effectively, engage stakeholders, inspire action, and attract support for their initiatives.
Who Can Apply?
While eligibility requirements vary slightly by regional cohort, the Rockefeller Foundation generally seeks applicants who:
- Have 5–15 years of professional, entrepreneurial, or community leadership experience.
- Are leading initiatives with the potential for transformational impact.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to improving opportunities for underserved communities.
- Have a proven record of driving meaningful change.
- Show courage, creativity, and a willingness to challenge existing systems.
- Value collaboration and continuous learning.
- Are members of the Big Bets Community, which is required before applying to the fellowship.
What Is a “Big Bet”?
According to the Rockefeller Foundation, a “Big Bet” is more than a promising project. It is a bold effort designed to solve a significant problem at scale.
Successful projects generally demonstrate:
- Innovative solutions to major societal challenges.
- Strong collaboration across multiple sectors.
- Clear, measurable outcomes.
- Potential for large-scale systems change rather than incremental improvements.
Fellowship Themes
Each regional cohort focuses on priority challenges relevant to its context.
For example, the 2026 Africa cohort emphasized initiatives related to:
- Renewable energy access.
- Food systems transformation.
- Public health and climate resilience.
- Regional trade and economic development.
- Artificial intelligence and data innovation.
- Policy innovation.
- Regional collaboration across Africa.
Previous cohorts have addressed topics such as:
- Climate action.
- Workforce development.
- Economic opportunity.
- Food systems.
- Community resilience.
- Inclusive growth.
Programme Structure
The fellowship combines virtual and in-person learning experiences over approximately five months.
Programme components typically include:
- Orientation and onboarding.
- Weekly interactive virtual sessions.
- Peer learning and collaboration.
- Mentorship from experienced leaders.
- Leadership workshops.
- In-person convening at the Bellagio Center.
- Public showcase and amplification opportunities.
Travel Support
The Rockefeller Foundation covers travel expenses associated with the in-person fellowship convening. Fellows are generally responsible for obtaining any required visas for international travel.
Global Fellowship Network
Since its launch, the Big Bets Fellowship has expanded across several regions:
- 2024: Latin America and the Caribbean.
- 2025: Asia-Pacific and the United States.
- 2026: Africa and the United States.
Graduates join an international community of leaders working across fields such as climate action, healthcare, education, technology, agriculture, energy, entrepreneurship, public policy, and community development.
Why Apply?
The Big Bets Fellowship is ideal for leaders who want to:
- Strengthen their leadership capacity.
- Expand their global network.
- Scale innovative solutions.
- Collaborate with peers across sectors.
- Increase the visibility of their work.
- Build partnerships that create lasting impact.
Rather than focusing solely on technical training, the fellowship emphasizes personal leadership growth, collaboration, and systems change.
How to Prepare for Future Applications
Applications for the 2026 Big Bets Fellowship have closed. Leaders interested in future cohorts should:
- Join the Big Bets Community through the official Rockefeller Foundation website.
- Monitor announcements for upcoming regional fellowship opportunities.
- Continue strengthening their leadership experience and documenting the impact of their initiatives.
- Prepare a compelling description of the bold challenge they are addressing and the long-term change they seek to create.
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Disclaimer
Vacancy Bridge shares verified fellowship opportunities for informational purposes only. Vacancy Bridge is not affiliated with The Rockefeller Foundation. Fellowship themes, eligibility criteria, programme dates, and application requirements may change with each cohort. Applicants should always consult the official Rockefeller Foundation website for the latest information.
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