Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowships 2026 — United States Leadership & Innovation Opportunity

The Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowships — United States 2026 is a distinguished leadership and innovation programme that supports impact-oriented leaders who are developing bold solutions to today’s most complex societal challenges. Designed for changemakers with a track record of driving systems-level impact, this fellowship supports visionaries across sectors — including public policy, social innovation, technology, sustainability, and community-led initiatives.

The Big Bets Fellowships aim to accelerate transformative ideas that can produce meaningful and measurable improvements at scale.

About the Big Bets Fellowships

The Big Bets Fellowships are part of the Rockefeller Foundation’s broader strategy to catalyse breakthrough innovation, grounded in the belief that solving systemic problems often requires risk-taking, creativity, and cross-sector collaboration. Unlike traditional grants, the Big Bets Fellowships focus on supporting leaders whose work is already underway but requires additional space, resources, and network support to significantly accelerate impact.

Fellows are selected not just for their ideas, but for their demonstrated ability to lead, learn, and adapt in pursuit of ambitious goals.

Who Can Apply — Eligibility

While specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the focus area of each Big Bets cycle, fellows typically:

• 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.

What the Fellowship Offers

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.

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.

Application Tips

 Tell a Compelling Story

Clearly articulate the problem you’re addressing, your unique approach, and the impact achieved so far.

 Demonstrate Systems Insight

Show how your work addresses root causes and engages multiple stakeholders to shift outcomes at scale.

 Highlight Leadership & Adaptation

Explain how you’ve led your initiative through challenges and what you’ve learned along the way.

 Be Specific About Next Steps

Share how fellowship support will accelerate impact — whether through scaling, evaluation, cross-sector engagement, or strategic pivots.

Alumni Impact & Network

Big Bets Fellows join a global community of leaders who continue to:

• Collaborate across disciplines
• Share insights into breakthrough practice
• Influence policy and institutional change
• Build solutions that endure beyond traditional funding cycles

Alumni often go on to secure further partnerships, lead influential coalitions, and scale models for broader adoption.

The Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowships 2026 — United States is an inspiring opportunity for leaders who are ready to take their impact to the next level. With flexible support, deep mentorship, and a vibrant community, this fellowship helps innovators dismantle barriers, design new pathways, and create measurable positive change.