Echoing Green Global Fellowship

Program Type: Two-year fellowship program for emerging social entrepreneurs

Award Amount:

• $80,000 for individual Fellow
• $90,000 for partnership (two founders)

Geographic Scope: Global - applicants working in any country are encouraged to apply

Focus Areas: Strategic support for emerging leaders creating innovative organizations for high-impact social change across any sector

Organization Eligibility:

• Original idea of applicant(s)
• In start-up phase (usually within first two years of operation)
• Independent and autonomous
• Can be nonprofit, for-profit, or hybrid structure
• Can be founded by 1-2 individuals or partnerships
• Can still be in idea phase

Applicant Eligibility:

• Must be 18+ years old at time of application submission
• Fluent in English
• Able to commit full 40-hour work week to organization
• If project based in US, must have American work authorization (citizenship, permanent residence, or work visa)
• Can be full-time student if studies completed by July of Fellowship start
• Previously rejected applicants may reapply
• Only one submission per applicant per year
• Maximum 2 founders may apply per organization

Organization Types NOT Eligible:

• Students, scholarships, or research projects
• Lobbying or faith-based organizations (unless spiritual/non-denominational element)
• Established organizations past start-up phase
• Books, films, plays, or scripts
• New projects within existing organizations
• Discrete projects with set beginning and end points

For-Profit Organizations:

• Eligible to apply
• Receive "recoverable grants" instead of regular grants
• Must agree to repay stipend if company achieves: $2M revenue in fiscal year with positive net income OR valued at >$5M
• Repayment term applies during 2-year Fellowship and 3 years after (5 years total)
• If thresholds not met within 5 years, no repayment required
• Recoverable grant includes no voting or control rights

Support Provided:

• Unrestricted funding
• Health care reimbursement
• Dedicated portfolio manager guidance
• Access to advisors and mentors
• Community convening across cohorts
• Conferences and gatherings

Contact Information:

• Address: 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4610, New York, NY 10118
• Phone: 212-689-1165
• Website: echoinggreen.org

Application Process

General Information:

• Applicants can apply for multiple Fellowship Programs (Global, Black Male Achievement, Climate) with one consolidated application
• One submission per applicant per year
• Multiple submissions result in removal from consideration

Application Steps:

1. Visit Echoing Green's Apply page at echoinggreen.org
2. Complete online application form
3. Provide responses to fellowship-specific questions
4. Submit before deadline
5. Selected applicants advance to Finals round in New York

Required Application Materials:

• Applicant information and background
• Organization details and founding story
• Problem statement and solution description
• Target audience and beneficiaries
• Business/operational plan
• Proof of work authorization (if US-based)
• Evidence of startup phase status
• Board of directors information (if established)

Application Content:

• Personal statement on commitment to the cause
• Organization mission and vision
• Detailed description of the solution/program model
• Target beneficiaries and expected impact
• Staffing and organizational structure plan
• Financial projections and funding strategy
• For-profit/hybrid disclosure (if applicable)

Review Criteria:

• Innovative approach to social change
• Leadership quality and commitment
• Market/problem understanding
• Organizational readiness
• Sustainability potential
• Passion and dedication to specific mission

Timeline:

• Applications open on announced dates (e.g., September/October for following year fellowships)
• Finalist announcements follow submission period
• Final round with selected finalists in New York
• Fellowship cohort announced

Support During Application:

• FAQ resources available on Apply page
• Email inquiries accepted for specific questions
• Personal interviews or phone consultations NOT available
• Application guidance materials and resources provided

Additional Notes:

• No need to establish 501(c)(3) status before applying
• Fiscal sponsor arrangements are acceptable
• Prior rejection does not prevent reapplication
• International applicants welcome