Each year, the Acumen Fund Fellows Program provides extraordinary young professionals with a unique opportunity to use their skills to effect real social change with our portfolio organizations in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, India and Pakistan, and to build lasting relationships with other like-minded individuals.
Who Becomes a Fellow?
Acumen Fund Fellows are drawn from a pool of talented individuals from all geographies, sectors, backgrounds, religions, and ages. Ideal fellows include those who have already decided on a career in venture philanthropy, those who are seeking a career at the highest levels in the corporate world but want to better understand and impact problems of global poverty, and budding social entrepreneurs who want to learn about managing organizations in the most demanding settings. Learn about previous fellows and their experiences here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here for detailed answers to frequently asked questions about the Fellows Program and about the selection process.
The Application Process
The application process takes place each fall for the Fellows class of the following year. Applications for the Class of 2009-2010 have closed. The selection process for the Class of 2009-2010 is now in progress. Candidates for the program may expect to be contacted about the status of their application by December 1, 2008. Offers to finalists will be made in late January 2009.
The Class of 2009-2010 will begin the training program in New York in September 2009 and will complete the program in September 2010. Applications for the Class of 2010-2011 will open in September 2009.
View Your Fellowship Application