Applications are now open for the Global Social Impact House (GSIH) 2026, a prestigious residential fellowship program hosted by the Center for Social Impact Strategy (CSIS) at the University of Pennsylvania. This unique seven-day program is designed to support social entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers who are actively working to create positive social impact.
The Global Social Impact House Fellowship brings together 20 global leaders working on impactful social initiatives and provides them with the tools, mentorship, and collaborative community needed to strengthen their ventures.
The 2026 edition of the program will take place September 12–18, 2026, at Macaw Lodge in Costa Rica. Participants will engage in intensive workshops, peer learning sessions, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative problem-solving activities in a serene and inspiring environment designed to foster creativity and reflection.
The Center for Social Impact Strategy will provide full program scholarships covering accommodation and meals, allowing fellows to focus entirely on learning and developing their social ventures.
Applicants must submit their applications by March 25, 2026.
About the Global Social Impact House Fellowship
The Global Social Impact House is an immersive learning experience designed for individuals leading or developing social impact initiatives.
The program focuses on helping participants:
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Strengthen the strategy and sustainability of their ventures
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Gain new tools and frameworks for social innovation
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Connect with a global network of mission-driven leaders
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Receive mentorship and feedback from experienced coaches
During the fellowship, participants live together in a shared environment that encourages deep collaboration, meaningful conversations, and personal reflection.
Rather than a traditional classroom program, GSIH emphasizes experiential learning, community building, and creative problem solving.
Key Features of the Global Social Impact House
The fellowship includes several components designed to support participants’ personal and professional development.
1. Advanced Social Impact Training
Participants will take part in interactive workshops led by experts in social innovation and impact strategy.
Topics covered include:
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Human-centered design
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Social enterprise business models
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Leadership and team development
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Storytelling for social impact
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Strategic growth planning
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Venture sustainability
Workshops are customized to address the specific needs and goals of the fellows.
2. Peer-to-Peer Learning and Collaboration
A core feature of the program is the collaborative environment created among fellows.
Participants will:
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Share experiences from their ventures
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Exchange ideas and feedback
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Co-create solutions to complex challenges
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Support one another’s professional development
The program encourages strong peer relationships that often continue long after the fellowship ends.
3. Mentorship from Leading Social Impact Experts
Throughout the program, fellows receive mentorship and guidance from experienced coaches and practitioners.
Mentors provide:
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Personalized feedback on venture development
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Strategic advice on scaling impact
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Leadership coaching
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Guidance on navigating social impact challenges
4. A Global Network of Changemakers
Participants become part of a global community of social innovators and leaders connected through the Center for Social Impact Strategy.
Benefits of joining this network include:
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Access to a community of mission-driven leaders
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Opportunities for collaboration and partnerships
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Continued learning and knowledge exchange
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Long-term professional connections
5. Digital Detox and Personal Reflection
One unique feature of the Global Social Impact House is its emphasis on intentional disconnection from technology.
Participants are encouraged to step away from daily digital distractions in order to:
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Reconnect with their personal purpose
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Reflect on their leadership journey
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Focus deeply on their social ventures
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Build authentic connections with other fellows
Program Location: Costa Rica
The 2026 Global Social Impact House will take place at Macaw Lodge, an eco-resort located in the San José Valley of Costa Rica.
Macaw Lodge is a 264-acre rainforest retreat designed as a model of environmental sustainability.
Features of the location include:
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Off-grid facilities powered by solar energy
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Lodging built from reclaimed and sustainably sourced materials
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Access to tropical forests, rivers, and wildlife
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Farm-to-table food and natural surroundings
Participants will have opportunities to relax and recharge between sessions while enjoying activities such as:
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Birdwatching
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Swimming in natural rivers
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Yoga and meditation
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Nature walks
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Cultural experiences
The tranquil setting is intentionally chosen to support creativity, innovation, and reflection.
Program Schedule Overview
The seven-day fellowship program is carefully designed to balance learning, collaboration, and reflection.
Day 1: Orientation
Participants arrive at the retreat and begin building connections within the cohort.
Day 2: Community Building
Fellows share their personal journeys and ventures while building trust and community.
Day 3: Storytelling
Workshops focus on developing communication skills and articulating social impact stories.
Day 4: Design Thinking
Participants engage in human-centered design exercises to prototype solutions and refine ideas.
Day 5: Strategy Development
Fellows work with coaches and peers to strengthen their venture strategies.
Day 6: Peer-Led Workshops
Participants lead discussions on topics related to their expertise and experiences.
Day 7: Closing and Departure
The program concludes with reflections and action planning for future impact.
Financial Support and Program Costs
Participation in the Global Social Impact House Fellowship is fully funded by the Center for Social Impact Strategy.
The scholarship includes:
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Full program participation
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Accommodation at Macaw Lodge
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All meals during the program
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Access to workshops and mentorship sessions
Participants are responsible for covering:
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Travel to and from San José, Costa Rica
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Visa costs if required
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Personal expenses during travel
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirement before applying:
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Complete the CSIS online course in Social Impact Strategy or another CSIS educational program.
Applicants should also:
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Be actively working on a social impact project, organization, or enterprise
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Demonstrate a strong commitment to creating social change
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Be willing to participate in the full seven-day program
Priority will be given to applicants who are already working on a social venture with demonstrated impact or strong potential.
However, the program welcomes ventures at different stages, including:
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Early-stage concepts
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Pilot programs
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Scaling initiatives
How to Apply
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
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Complete the CSIS Social Impact Strategy online course or another CSIS program.
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Prepare information about your social venture and its impact.
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Submit your application through the Official Application Portal.
Applicants should clearly explain:
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The social challenge their venture addresses
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The impact their initiative aims to achieve
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How participation in GSIH will strengthen their work
Application Deadline
Applications for the Global Social Impact House Fellowship 2026 must be submitted by March 25, 2026.
Decisions regarding selected fellows will not be announced before May 1, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Global Social Impact House Fellowship free?
Yes. The program is fully funded. Accommodation, meals, and program participation are covered.
However, fellows must pay for their own travel and visa expenses.
2. How long is the fellowship?
The program lasts 7 days, including arrival and departure.
Participants must attend the entire program.
3. Do I need to have an existing project?
Yes. Applicants must be working on a social impact initiative, enterprise, or organization.
Priority is given to those with an existing venture.
4. What stage should my venture be at?
The program accepts ventures at various stages:
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Idea stage
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Pilot stage
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Scaling stage
The goal is to help fellows strengthen the viability and impact of their initiatives.
5. Is the program open to international applicants?
Yes. The Global Social Impact House is open to applicants from around the world.
Learn more about the Global Social Impact House Fellowship 2026 HERE.
Click HERE to discover more global Fellowship opportunities on OFY.