Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowships 2026 in USA

Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowships 2026 is a prestigious leadership program in the United States that empowers impact-driven innovators to tackle society’s most complex challenges. The fellowship targets changemakers across sectors, including public policy, social innovation, technology, sustainability, and community-led initiatives. It provides participants with resources, mentorship, and a collaborative network to scale transformative solutions effectively.

Unlike traditional grants, the Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowships 2026 focus on supporting leaders whose projects are already underway but need additional support to accelerate their impact. Fellows are chosen not only for bold ideas but also for their proven ability to lead, adapt, and create meaningful change on a systemic level.

Benefits

Selected Big Bets Fellows receive a suite of benefits designed to deepen their impact and broaden their reach:

Strategic Support

• Tailored expert mentorship and coaching
• Access to high-level advisors and peer networks
• Strategic planning and impact assessment support

Financial & Resource Support

• Flexible funding to support leadership, organisational capacity, or project acceleration
• Access to tools, research, and collaborative partnerships
• Invitations to capacity-building workshops and cohort gatherings

Community & Platform

• A supportive cohort of fellow innovators
• Opportunities for multisector collaboration
• Visibility through The Rockefeller Foundation’s communication channels

This combination helps fellows both amplify their work and enrich their leadership practice.

Eligibility Criteria

• Are mid-career to senior professionals with proven leadership experience
• Have a demonstrable track record of real-world impact
• Are leading or co-leading an initiative or organisation with measurable outcomes
• Are deeply committed to systems change and innovation
• Are based in or operate within the United States (for this cohort)

The programme welcomes applicants from diverse sectors, including civil society, public policy, academia, social enterprise, research, technology, and creative sectors.

Fellowship Focus & Themes

Big Bets Fellowships in the United States support work addressing systemic issues such as:

• Economic inequality and equitable opportunity
• Climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure
• Public health and community well-being
• Democratic participation, civic trust, and governance
• Education access and innovation
• Inclusive technology for public benefit

These themes reflect areas where transformative leadership and bold innovation can produce outsized societal benefits.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Big Bets Fellowships are unique because they:

• Prioritise high-risk, high-reward initiatives that may not fit traditional funding models
• Elevate leaders who are deeply embedded in the challenges they seek to solve
• Facilitate cross-sector dialogue and collaboration
• Provide a long-term support ecosystem rather than one-off project grants
• Encourage learning and adaptation over rigid deliverables

For leaders tackling entrenched societal problems, this fellowship provides both runway and insight.

Important Dates

• Application Launch: December 15th, 2025
• Deadline for fellows to complete the Eligibility Form and Pre-Application Forms: January 12th, 2026 – 12PM EST
• Finalists invited to submit Full Application and schedule interviews: Early February 2026
• Deadline to complete Full-Application: March 2nd, 2026 – 12 PM EST
• Interviews conducted: Early March
• Fellows announced: Mid April

How to Apply?

• Join the Big Bets Community to receive the eligibility form and application link.
• Complete the Eligibility Form and Pre-Application before January 12, 2026 – 12 PM EST.
• If eligible, complete the Full Application with detailed project information, leadership experience, and impact goals.
• Submit the Full Application by March 2, 2026 – 12 PM EST for consideration.
• Participate in interviews if shortlisted for final selection.
• Successful fellows will be notified in mid-April 2026 and can prepare for onboarding, virtual programming, and the in-person convening.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowships 2026 supports experienced global leaders working on bold solutions. The program runs from May to Fall 2026, blending virtual learning, peer exchange, a Bellagio convening, and leadership support to help fellows accelerate impact and scale meaningful change.