The Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship 2025

The Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship powered by Watson Institute is now open and accepting applications! They are looking for courageous leaders and entrepreneurs supporting access to transportation or putting services on wheels.

If you want to take your existing social venture to the next level, the Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship can help you achieve your goals. This program offers comprehensive support in scaling, pitching, fundraising, networking, and more, providing unparalleled resources for startups looking to grow and make a difference.

The fellowship is designed to equip next-generation entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and experience to scale the impactful ventures they are building. Through this fully-funded program, select Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellows can earn up to $6,000 in venture development stipend funds, based on progress and impact throughout the Fellowship. The Fellowship will run from February 24th, 2025 – June 17th, 2025.

Dates & Details: 

The program will kick off with a two-week virtual Immersive experience on February 24, 2025. The remaining virtual 14-weeks are designed to complement Fellows’ existing venture work, allowing them to implement learnings from the program in real-time.

• Dates for Immersive: February 24th, 2025 – March 7th, 2025
• Dates for Virtual Programming: March 11th, 2025 – June 17th, 2025
• Weekly Schedule: All workshops and modules take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 8:30 am and 10:30 am Mountain Time

This is a fully funded program thanks to the support of the Ford Philanthropy Foundation.

The priority deadline to apply is January 12th, 2025.

 Benefits

• Training and Skill Development: Training and interactive modules led by subject-matter experts in the areas including sales, data & metrics, business foundations, and funding. 
• Mentorship & Community: Engage with world renowned entrepreneurs, industry experts, global alumni, and local partners to receive mentorship, guidance, and support throughout the program.
• Pitch Coaching: Earn the opportunity to present at the high-profile pitch event at the end of the program to a global network of employees, mentors, alumni, and partners.
• Venture Development Stipend: Up to $6,oo0 in venture development stipends will be awarded to select Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellows based on progress and impact throughout the Fellowship.

 Eligibilities

• Entrepreneurial Background: You are an entrepreneur or community leader committed to creating sustainable, scalable impact, ideally in Ford Philanthropy Mobility, transportation, or accessibility.
• Venture Stage: Your venture has proven products, traction, and revenue, and you are beyond prototyping but need support to grow. You are in the Problem-Solution Fit or Product-Market Fit stages with measurable impact and revenue.
• Commitment: You can commit to a 16-week program, including a 2-week virtual immersive, and are eager to actively participate and engage with the community.
• Geographic Impact: You are located in or creating impact in specified global locations: Brazil, Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa, Spain, Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand.
• Age Requirement: You are 18 years or older.

Eligible Regions: Spain, Vietnam, Philippines, Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Submit your application at https://watson.is/ford-philanthropy-fellowship/ which takes roughly 45 minutes.
• The strongest applicants will be invited to a 20-minute interview.
• Applications are review by our admissions committee and Ford Philanthropy.
• Decisions are made in batches.
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Application Deadline: January 12, 2025 (28 Days Remaining)

APPLY NOW