Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center Residency Program 2027 in Italy (Fully Funded): A Prestigious 26-Day Global Residency for Scholars, Artists, and Changemakers

The Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center Residency Program 2027 is now open for applications, offering an extraordinary opportunity for global leaders, scholars, artists, and practitioners to advance transformative projects that address the world’s most pressing challenges.

Hosted at the historic Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center in Lake Como, Italy, the residency provides a 26-day immersive experience where selected participants receive time, resources, and a collaborative environment to focus deeply on their work. For nearly 70 years, the Bellagio Center has supported visionary thinkers and innovators whose ideas and projects have contributed to meaningful global impact.

Applications are open for the 2027 cohort, and interested applicants must submit their expression of interest by March 20, 2026 (5 PM EDT).

This prestigious residency has welcomed many of the world’s most influential thinkers and leaders, including over 85 Nobel Laureates and renowned figures such as economist Amartya Sen, economist Milton Friedman, author Maya Angelou, former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

The program continues to serve as a powerful platform where individuals from diverse disciplines collaborate, exchange ideas, and develop breakthrough solutions that benefit humanity.

About the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center

Located in the scenic region of Lake Como, Italy, the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center is one of the world’s most renowned convening spaces for global leaders and innovators.

The center provides a serene and intellectually stimulating environment designed to foster deep thinking, interdisciplinary dialogue, and collaboration among experts from around the world.

For decades, Bellagio has supported the development of groundbreaking ideas, influential publications, policies, artistic works, and global initiatives that have shaped discussions around development, equity, and human well-being.

Through the Bellagio Center Residency Program, the Rockefeller Foundation aims to:

• Advance innovative solutions to global challenges

• Encourage collaboration across disciplines and sectors

• Support leaders working to improve human well-being

• Strengthen global partnerships that drive positive change

Participants join a dynamic community of thinkers and creators dedicated to building a more equitable and sustainable world.

Learn more about the Bellagio Center HERE.

Program Overview: What the Bellagio Residency Offers

The Bellagio Center Residency Program offers selected participants a unique opportunity to focus intensely on their projects while engaging with a diverse group of global leaders.

During the 26-day residency, fellows will work alongside a cohort of approximately 14 scholars, artists, and practitioners from different disciplines and regions of the world.

Residents benefit from uninterrupted time for creative and intellectual work while also participating in cross-disciplinary discussions that spark new ideas and collaborations.

The program includes the following benefits:

Fully Supported Residency Experience

Participants receive a fully supported stay at the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center, including:

• A 26-day residency in Lake Como, Italy

• Private studio space for focused work

• Accommodation and meals (room and board)

• Travel funding to and from Italy

• Access to a vibrant community of international leaders and experts

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Residents become part of a diverse, cross-sector cohort where individuals from different professional backgrounds exchange ideas, offer feedback, and collaborate on innovative approaches to global challenges.

This interdisciplinary environment often leads to new partnerships, projects, and long-lasting professional relationships.

Lifelong Global Network

Participants also become members of the Bellagio Network, an international community of alumni who remain connected through collaborations, initiatives, and partnerships long after their residency ends.

Who the Bellagio Center Residency Program Is Looking For

The Rockefeller Foundation seeks exceptional leaders and innovators whose work has already demonstrated impact and who are developing bold ideas capable of improving the well-being of humanity.

Successful applicants typically demonstrate:

• Significant achievement and recognition in their field

• A strong track record of advancing impactful ideas or initiatives

• Commitment to improving global well-being

• Openness to collaboration and interdisciplinary exchange

• Willingness to actively participate in the Bellagio alumni network

The program welcomes leaders from diverse disciplines including academia, arts, policy, science, journalism, nonprofit leadership, and the private sector.

Types of Projects Supported

The Bellagio Center Residency Program supports projects that generate meaningful social impact and contribute to solving major global challenges.

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that:

• Offer innovative solutions to global problems

• Generate new knowledge or insights

• Inspire action or policy change

• Benefit vulnerable or underserved populations

• Advance public good rather than private profit

Projects may include research publications, books, policy frameworks, artistic productions, organizational strategies, or other initiatives aimed at creating meaningful change.

Key Thematic Areas

While the Bellagio Residency accepts applications from any discipline through its general open call, the Rockefeller Foundation also prioritizes projects aligned with several thematic areas addressing critical global issues.

Universal Energy Abundance

Projects that expand access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy for communities worldwide, particularly those historically underserved by current energy systems.

Food Systems and Nutrition

Innovative approaches to building sustainable, nutritious, and resilient food systems that benefit consumers, producers, and the environment.

Economic Mobility

Ideas and initiatives that help individuals access stable employment, better wages, and long-term financial security, while addressing systemic barriers to opportunity.

Health

Projects addressing emerging global health challenges, including climate-driven health threats such as extreme heat, and strengthening resilient health systems.

Artificial Intelligence for Good

Innovations that harness AI responsibly to address global challenges such as education, healthcare, and development while promoting transparency and accountability.

Catalytic Finance

Financial innovations designed to mobilize capital for underserved communities and climate-vulnerable regions, including blended finance and outcome-based funding models.

Climate and Development

Strategies that integrate climate resilience into development efforts, helping communities adapt while maintaining sustainable economic growth.

Eligible Applicants and Project Categories

The Bellagio Center Residency Program welcomes a wide range of leaders and professionals, including:

Academics and Scholars

Researchers, professors, and scientists from universities or think tanks whose work advances knowledge and scholarship in their fields.

These projects often result in books, academic articles, or influential research outputs.

Artists

Creative professionals such as:

• Writers and authors

• Poets and playwrights

• Filmmakers and visual artists

• Musicians and composers

• Dancers and performers

Artistic projects should demonstrate how they contribute to social impact and ensure public access to the final work.

Practitioners

Senior professionals including:

• Nonprofit leaders

• Journalists

• Policy advocates

• Private-sector innovators

• Public leaders

These projects may produce policy briefs, strategic plans, research publications, or advocacy initiatives that support vulnerable populations and address global challenges.

The Bellagio Residency Experience

The Bellagio Center residency is designed to foster creativity, reflection, and collaboration.

Residents enjoy uninterrupted time to focus on their projects while also participating in discussions and exchanges with other fellows.

This environment encourages:

• Cross-disciplinary dialogue

• Collaborative problem-solving

• New intellectual partnerships

• Innovative thinking

Many groundbreaking ideas and influential publications have emerged from conversations and collaborations formed during Bellagio residencies.

Global Impact and Legacy

Each year, the Bellagio Center welcomes approximately 100 residents from around the world.

These individuals represent a diverse range of disciplines, experiences, and perspectives, creating a vibrant intellectual community focused on solving global challenges.

Over the decades, Bellagio residents have contributed to major breakthroughs in areas such as:

• Economic policy

• Social justice

• Scientific innovation

• Public health

• Climate action

• Arts and culture

Through its residency program, the Rockefeller Foundation continues to support visionary leaders who are shaping the future of humanity.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center Residency Program 2027 must be submitted by:

March 20, 2026 (5 PM EDT)

Applicants must submit their expression of interest through the official Rockefeller Foundation application portal.

All applications and participation are subject to the Bellagio Center Residency Program Terms and Conditions.

Click HERE to discover more global Fellowship opportunities.