Fully Funded: Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship for Young African Leaders 2026

The Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship is now accepting applications from visionary African leaders ready to transform their bold ideas into continent-wide impact. This prestigious fellowship supports changemakers designing systemic solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges, from climate resilience to economic inclusion.

About the Program

The Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship: Africa is a five-month hybrid leadership development program that propels leaders toward manifesting their “Big Bet”—a bold, concerted effort to fundamentally solve a problem rather than implement incremental improvements.

The Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship selects approximately 10 fellows annually who demonstrate commitment to accelerating opportunity for vulnerable communities and transforming systems for sustainable futures. This fully-funded program combines experiential learning, strategic mentorship, and global networking to help fellows refine their theories of change and accelerate their path to scale.

Eligibility Requirements

The Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship seeks leaders at critical inflection points who are ready to make their next transformative move.

Candidate Qualifications

Professional Experience: 5 to 15 years of relevant work experience driving impact through professional, entrepreneurial, or community-based initiatives
Age Requirement: 18 years or older with legal capacity to participate
Language Proficiency: Conversant in English (approximately B1 level or higher on CEFR)
Regional Connection: Deep, ongoing engagement in Africa through lived experience, professional contributions, or community involvement
Leadership Track Record: Proven ability to lead change, mobilize diverse stakeholders, and deliver measurable results
Community Membership: Active member of the Big Bets Community (mandatory for application access)

Note: Employees, officers, or directors of The Rockefeller Foundation or its affiliates are not eligible.

Project Requirements

Projects submitted to the Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship must demonstrate:

Charitable purpose with impact across African countries
Focus on underserved communities
Impact potential within 5–7 years
Early signs of traction and viability

Priority Focus Areas:

Accelerating decentralized renewable energy for underserved communities
Transforming food systems and enhancing food security
Advancing public health and heat resilience
Strengthening markets and trade systems for excluded participants
Fostering regional and international collaboration
Creating enabling conditions through AI, data access, and policy innovation

Benefits

The Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship provides comprehensive support to maximize fellow impact:

Financial Support

$5,000 USD stipend to support participation (subject to applicable taxes)
Fully covered travel expenses to the mandatory in-person convening at The Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center in Italy
Visa-related expense support for most reasonable costs

Leadership Development

Applied learning curriculum covering theory of change, strategic partnerships, coalition-building, and storytelling for influence
Dedicated time with peers, mentors, and experts to refine strategy and stress-test ideas
Impact acceleration support to strengthen pathways to scale

Network and Platform Access

Dynamic cohort community of innovators and change leaders
Exclusive access to The Rockefeller Foundation’s global network
Facilitated introductions to key stakeholders and partners
Speaking and showcasing opportunities at global events

Important: The Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship does not include a project implementation grant.

Application Guidelines

The Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship application process is sourced entirely from the Big Bets Community. There is no application fee.

Application Process Overview

Step 1: Join the Big Bets Community Join by November 29, 2025 to receive the Eligibility Form and application link.

Step 2: Complete Eligibility and Pre-Application Forms Submit forms covering basic criteria, project description, “Big Bet” status, and potential impact in Africa.

Step 3: Full Application (Finalists Only) Shortlisted candidates receive invitations in early January 2026 for a detailed application covering professional background, preparedness, ecosystem context, challenges, and vision.

Step 4: Online Interview Finalists participate in an interview conducted in English.

Step 5: Final Selection The Rockefeller Foundation announces approximately 10 selected fellows in late February 2026.

All materials for the Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship must be submitted online in English.

Required Documents

Applicants to the Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship must prepare:

Initial Submission

Eligibility Form: Basic information confirming age, experience, and charitable status
Pre-Application Form: Project description, “Big Bet” justification, and impact potential

Finalist Submission

Full Application: Comprehensive details on professional background, preparedness, ecosystem context, challenges, and vision
Reference Letter: Submitted via Reference Form by a recognized expert in your field with at least 15 years of relevant experience

All documents must be completed in English and submitted through the online portal.

Program Structure and Duration

The Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship runs for five months in a hybrid format:

Timeline

Program Launch: Week of May 4, 2026 (onboarding call)
Virtual Components: Online learning modules, mentorship sessions, and cohort collaboration (May–August 2026)
In-Person Convening: Week of August 23, 2026 at The Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center in Italy
Program Conclusion: September 2026

Format

The hybrid structure combines virtual learning and collaboration with an intensive in-person convening, allowing fellows to maintain their professional commitments while benefiting from deep, focused time with peers and mentors.

Why You Should Apply

The Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship offers unparalleled opportunities for leaders ready to scale transformative solutions:

Amplify Your Impact: Access resources, guidance, and networks designed to help proven innovations achieve outsized impact across Africa.

Refine Your Strategy: Stress-test your ideas with experienced mentors, peers, and experts who understand systems-level change.

Build Strategic Partnerships: Gain exclusive access to The Rockefeller Foundation’s global network and facilitated introductions to potential collaborators and funders.

Develop Leadership Skills: Master crucial competencies in coalition-building, strategic communication, and navigating complex ecosystems.

Join a Transformative Community: Connect with a cohort of visionary leaders tackling Africa’s most urgent challenges.

Global Platform: Showcase your work at international events and position your solution for continental and global recognition.

The Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship is more than funding—it’s a high-powered launchpad that provides the guidance, network, and navigation systems to ensure your solution transforms communities across Africa.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship:

Join the Big Bets Community at [community link] by November 29, 2025
Access the Eligibility Form distributed to community members
Complete the Eligibility Form with your basic qualifications
Submit the Pre-Application Form describing your project and its Big Bet potential
Wait for finalist notification in early January 2026
Complete the Full Application if selected as a finalist
Arrange your Reference Letter from an expert with 15+ years of experience
Participate in the online interview if invited
Await final selection announcement in late February 2026

For questions about the Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship, contact the program team through the Big Bets Community platform.

Deadline

Key Dates for the Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship

Milestone	Date
Application Launch	November 10, 2025
Deadline to Join Big Bets Community	November 29, 2025
Eligibility & Pre-Application Deadline	December 1, 2025
Full Application Invitations Sent	Early January 2026
Full Application & Reference Deadline	Late January 2026
Interviews Conducted	January 2026
Fellows Announced	Late February 2026
Program Start	Week of May 4, 2026
In-Person Convening	Week of August 23, 2026

Don’t miss the December 1, 2025 deadline to submit your Eligibility and Pre-Application forms for the Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship.

Ready to transform your bold idea into continent-wide impact? Join the Big Bets Community today and take the first step toward the Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship: Africa 2026.

Click here to apply.

About The Author

Henry Izuu

Henry Izuchukwu is a passionate business administrator who has dedicated his career to transforming lives through education and career development. With a deep commitment to youth empowerment across Africa, he connects aspiring students and young professionals with life-changing opportunities that help them achieve their dreams.

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