Application Deadline: December 1st, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship. Each year, the rockerfeller foundation select a diverse and interdisciplinary cohort of changemakers who are driving bold, systemic solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges – improving lives and expanding opportunity for those historically underserved.
In 2026 the Big Bets Fellowship will engage leaders from across the African continent who are creating the systems, policies, and innovations that can power a prosperous and sustainable future for all.
The program is looking to support leaders with bold solutions that reimagine an existing system or introduce innovative approaches to harness the know-how, assets, capacities, and energies of others to power a prosperous future for all Africans, focused on ensuring economic prosperity, stability and opportunities for communities who need it most.
Fellow Selection Criteria
While there is no single profile of a Big Bets Fellow, the following characteristics describe individuals who are likely to thrive in the program:
- 5–15 years of experience driving impact through professional, entrepreneurial, or community-based work.
- Deep engagement in their region, reflected through lived experience, professional contributions, or community involvement.
- A distinctive perspective and fresh insight into a pressing challenge, informed by both personal and professional experience.
- A proven track record of meaningful change, demonstrating the ability to lead initiatives and bringing together diverse stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
- Collaborative, curious, and community-driven, with a strong commitment to learning and contributing to the Fellowship network.
- Courageous and bold, willing to challenge the status quo and advance new approaches for lasting impact.
- Applicants must be members of the Big Bets Community to be eligible for the Fellowship.
Benefits
- Travel expenses for participation in the in-person convening will be covered by The Rockefeller Foundation. Fellows will be responsible for securing the necessary visa(s) for any travel during the course of the program.
Program Dates
- Onboarding Call: week of May 4th, 2026
- Virtual Programing: weekly 90-minute online sessions from May to August
- In-person Convening at The Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center: week of August 23rd, 2026
- Amplification Moment: Fall 2026
Application Timeline:
- Application Launch: November 10th, 2025
- Deadline to complete the Eligibility and Pre-Application Forms: December 1st, 2025
- Finalists invited to submit Full Application and schedule interviews: Early January 2026
- Deadline to complete Full Application: Late January 2026
- Interviews conducted: January 2026
- Fellows announced: Late February 2026
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship
