The Mountaintop Emerging Leaders Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications. This fully funded fellowship is designed for nonprofit and community leaders who are working in under-resourced communities around the world.
The program supports leaders who are already running organizations and want to improve their leadership skills without leaving their communities.
Deadline: February 08, 2026
WhatsApp ChannelWhat Is the Mountaintop Emerging Leaders Fellowship?
The Mountaintop Emerging Leaders Fellowship is a one-year leadership program for founders and senior leaders of nonprofit and community-based organizations.
The fellowship focuses on:
- Leadership development
- Project growth
- Community impact
- Long-term service
It allows fellows to continue their work while receiving structured support, mentorship, and funding.
Also Check: Dorrit Hoffleit Summer Fellowship 2026 in USA
Fully Funded Leadership Institute in Kenya
Selected fellows will attend a two-week, in-person Leadership Institute in Nairobi, Kenya, scheduled for October 2026.
The fellowship covers all costs, including:
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Local transportation
- Program activities
This ensures that financial barriers do not prevent leaders from participating.
Also Check: NTU Global Connect Fellowship 2026 in Singapore
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Mountaintop Emerging Leaders Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be a Founder, Co-founder, Executive Director, or senior leader of a nonprofit or community-based organization
- Have at least three years of organizational experience
- Work with severely under-resourced communities
- Lead a clear project or initiative with defined goals
- Be committed to long-term community service
This fellowship does not support academic research, political campaigns, or individuals without an organization.
Also Check: NUS Young Fellowship Programme 2026 in Singapore
What Fellows Receive
Fellows receive support throughout the year, including:
- Leadership coaching and expert guidance
- One-on-one access to experienced advisors
- Project support and structured reflection
- Micro-grants of up to $1,000
- Increased visibility through Mountaintop’s platforms
- Lifetime access to a global network of fellows and alumni
Also Check: KWI International Fellowships 2026 in Germany
Why Choose the Mountaintop Fellowship?
Leadership in under-resourced communities comes with limited support and high responsibility. This fellowship helps leaders pause, reflect, and grow while staying active in their work.
Mountaintop has delivered leadership programs in 27 countries and works with respected partners such as Harvard, MIT, and NYU.
Past fellows report strong growth in their organizations, including increased revenue and staff expansion.
2026 Mountaintop Emerging Leaders Fellowship Application Timeline
The Mountaintop Emerging Leaders Fellowship follows a clear and structured application process. Below is the official 2026 application timeline, so applicants can plan.
- Late December 2025
Interest form and eligibility test open - January 2026
Full application opens for eligible applicants - January to Mid-February 2026
Video application stage - February 8, 2026
Final application deadline - February to March 2026
Application review period - March 2026
Finalist interviews - April 2026
Final fellowship decisions announced - October 2026
Fellowship begins with the fully funded Leadership Institute in Nairobi, Kenya
Applicants are encouraged to start early to allow enough time for written and video responses.
What Mountaintop Looks For
Beyond basic eligibility, the fellowship looks for leaders who show:
- A strong sense of responsibility
- Ability to learn from challenges
- Clear understanding of the community problem they address
- Willingness to grow and engage with peers
- Commitment to ethical and community-centered leadership
Women leaders and people from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Application Process
The application process includes:
- An interest form and an eligibility test
- A full application for shortlisted candidates
Applicants also receive:
- An application guide
- A clear fellowship timeline
- Instructions on responsible AI use
Only up to five fellows are selected for the 2026 cohort.
Is This Fellowship Right for You?
If you are already leading a nonprofit or community organization and want to improve your leadership skills while continuing your work, this fellowship may be a strong fit.
The Mountaintop Emerging Leaders Fellowship is built for leaders who are committed to long-term impact, not short-term results.
How to Apply
Applications for the Mountaintop Emerging Leaders Fellowship 2026 are open. Interested applicants can begin by taking the eligibility test on the official Mountaintop International website.
