Big Bets Fellowship: United States 2026 – A Transformational Leadership Opportunity for Economic Renewal (Fully-funded by The Rockefeller Foundation)

The Big Bets Fellowship: United States 2026 is now open for applications, offering a unique, fully supported leadership fellowship for changemakers working to advance inclusive economic opportunity across the U.S. Designed to equip bold leaders with the mindset, skills, and networks needed to deliver breakthrough solutions, this prestigious program supports projects that connect displaced and low-wage workers to quality jobs, strengthen community resilience, and address systemic economic inequities.

Backed by The Rockefeller Foundation, the Big Bets Fellowship brings together visionary leaders across sectors to drive solutions that are good for people, communities, and the planet.

About the Big Bets Fellowship: United States

The Big Bets Fellowship is rooted in a long-standing commitment to making opportunity universal. The U.S.-focused fellowship responds to growing economic pessimism, rising inequality, and persistent disparities affecting millions of Americans—while also leveraging the country’s strong research institutions, expanding green economy, and innovative policy landscape.

Through a blend of virtual learning, peer collaboration, and an immersive in-person convening, Fellows are supported to scale bold ideas that reimagine systems rather than settle for incremental change.

Why the Fellowship Focuses on the United States

The United States faces a critical moment:

• Economic inequality has steadily increased since the 1980s

• Nearly 50 million Americans live in economically distressed communities

• Declining job opportunities have fueled poor health, education gaps, and weakened social trust

• Racial and gender inequities remain deeply entrenched

At the same time, the U.S. has unprecedented potential for transformation. The Big Bets Fellowship: United States is designed to help leaders seize this moment—building resilient systems, entrepreneurial solutions, and forward-looking policies that drive shared prosperity.

2026 Program Structure and Key Dates

Program Timeline

• Onboarding Call: Week of May 4, 2026

• Virtual Programming: Weekly 90-minute sessions (May–August 2026)

• In-Person Convening: Week of August 23, 2026 at The Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center

• Amplification Moment: Fall 2026

Travel expenses for the in-person convening are fully covered. Fellows are responsible for securing any required visas.

Who Should Apply: Fellow Selection Criteria

There is no single profile of a Big Bets Fellow. However, successful candidates typically demonstrate:

• 5–15 years of experience driving impact through professional, entrepreneurial, or community-based work

• Deep regional engagement, through lived experience, professional leadership, or community involvement

• A distinctive perspective on a pressing economic challenge

• A proven track record of change, including collaboration across diverse stakeholders

• Curiosity and collaboration, with a strong commitment to learning and community-driven solutions

• Bold leadership, with the courage to challenge the status quo

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be working on a project impacting one or more U.S. states

• Projects must directly benefit the communities the applicant represents

• Applicants must be members of the Big Bets Community to be eligible

What Makes a “Big Bet” Project?

A Big Bet goes beyond incremental improvement. It is a bold, coordinated effort to fundamentally solve a problem at scale.

Eligible projects may include social innovations, policy pilots, community-based initiatives, or technology-driven solutions. All projects should demonstrate strong potential to:

• Create quality jobs in underserved communities

• Support workforce development, especially for low-wage workers and families

• Reduce cost-of-living pressures, such as housing, healthcare, or education costs

• Improve family support systems and access to public benefits

• Transform food and health systems, including food-as-medicine approaches

• Advance innovative solutions, particularly in artificial intelligence, data access, and policy innovation to strengthen governance and civic institutions

2026 Application Timeline

• Application Launch: December 15, 2025

• Eligibility & Pre-Application Deadline: January 12, 2026 – 12:00 PM EST

• Finalists Invited: Early February 2026

• Full Application Deadline: March 2, 2026 – 12:00 PM EST

• Interviews: Early March 2026

• Fellows Announced: Mid-April 2026

Join the Big Bets

If you’re passionate about solving the world’s toughest problems — like combating climate change, creating economic opportunity, or transforming systems for a more sustainable future — and eager to be part of a dynamic community of emerging leaders working on bold solutions, we’re building a community for you.

• Be part of a community making transformative change
• Get access to exclusive resources and support to develop your big bet
• Accelerate progress on global challenges and shape a better future

Joining the Big Bets Community is free. As a member, you will receive a newsletter at the end of each month with exclusive resources and opportunities, like information about how to apply for our Big Bets Fellowship. Applications are open now for the 2026 United States Cohort. By joining the community, you will receive information about how to apply.

Get involved today—join the Big Bets Community and take the next step toward transformative impact.