APPLY: Ashoka Venture & Fellowship program For Social Entrepreneurs

The Ashoka Venture & Fellowship Program is now accepting applications from visionary social entrepreneurs who are developing bold, innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges. Through its Venture and Fellowship pathway, Ashoka identifies, selects, and supports changemakers who are pioneering systemic transformations in their fields. Selected candidates, known as **Ashoka Fellows**, gain access to comprehensive support that includes financial stipends, expert mentorship, and entry into one of the world’s most prestigious networks of social innovators.

About Ashoka

Founded in 1980 by Bill Drayton, **Ashoka** is widely recognized as the world’s leading organization for advancing social entrepreneurship. With a presence in over **90 countries**, Ashoka’s mission is to build a world where *everyone is a changemaker* — a society that responds creatively and collaboratively to social issues rather than waiting for traditional institutions to provide solutions. Over the decades, Ashoka has identified and supported more than **3,800 leading social entrepreneurs** whose work has redefined fields such as education, health, environment, human rights, and economic inclusion. Its model emphasizes systemic change, empowering individuals and communities to drive sustainable, long-term impact.

**Ashoka Ventures**

The **Ashoka Venture** process serves as the entry point for identifying social entrepreneurs who possess the creativity, courage, and commitment to redefine societal systems. Through a rigorous selection process that includes interviews, peer reviews, and field assessments, Ashoka ensures that every chosen entrepreneur demonstrates not only innovation but also ethical integrity and long-term vision. Once selected, Fellows gain access to a broad ecosystem of investors, development agencies, corporations, and policy influencers who can help them scale their impact. Ashoka’s Venture arm also focuses on capacity-building and organizational strengthening, helping social innovators transition from small-scale initiatives to high-impact enterprises that shift entire sectors.

**The Ashoka Fellowship Program**

The **Ashoka Fellowship** represents more than an award — it is a lifelong partnership that supports changemakers at every stage of their journey. Fellows receive a **needs-assessed living stipend** for up to three years, enabling them to dedicate themselves full-time to their social innovation. Beyond financial support, the Fellowship offers tailored mentorship, access to pro-bono professional services, and collaboration opportunities within a **global network of thousands of Fellows** across diverse industries. This network not only fosters peer learning but also provides visibility, credibility, and international connections that enhance each Fellow’s potential to create lasting change. Through continuous engagement, Ashoka ensures that Fellows remain equipped to adapt, grow, and lead collective movements for social progress.

**Who Should Apply**

Ashoka seeks social entrepreneurs who possess innovative ideas that can fundamentally change existing systems within their sectors — be it in **education, health, environment, civic participation, technology, or human rights** ([ashoka.org](https://www.ashoka.org)). Ideal candidates should be committed full-time to scaling their venture’s impact, demonstrate entrepreneurial drive, ethical commitment, and creativity, and operate a legally registered organization (non-profit, hybrid, or social enterprise) with proven traction or measurable early-stage results.

**Application Process and Timeline**

Applications for the Ashoka Fellowship are accepted **year-round** and reviewed on a rolling basis. The selection process typically involves several stages — including a **screening call, in-depth interviews, a panel review**, and a **final board decision**. Depending on the region, additional due diligence such as site visits may be conducted. Interested applicants can **apply through the official portal [HERE](https://www.ashoka.org)**.

**Why It Matters**

As the world grapples with complex global issues — from climate change and inequality to gaps in healthcare and education — Ashoka continues to play a critical role in supporting those who do more than treat symptoms: they redesign systems. Data from Ashoka reveals that within **five to ten years**, a majority of Fellows achieve significant national or sector-level change. For African social entrepreneurs, this program offers a powerful opportunity to join a transformative global community, access long-term professional and financial support, and amplify their impact far beyond local boundaries. For more information and to apply, visit **[www.ashoka.org]

tps://www.ashoka.org)**.