Social Impact Fellowship

Designed for emerging leaders in social entrepreneurship, economic development, and the nonprofit sector.

The most pressing challenges of our time require leaders who are equity architects, skilled strategists, data-driven, and able to work across traditional boundaries. This fellowship builds capabilities in strategy, leadership, management, community engagement, research and data analysis, and program design and implementation. Fellows work across various Equity | Impact Center programming areas, including creative entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, and community development, integrating perspectives from the business, nonprofit, government, and social sectors to sharpen systems-thinking skills and mindset.

This fellowship exists to close the critical gap between academic theory and real community impact. Through an intensive fellowship experience, the Social Impact Fellow will develop both technical competencies and the adaptive leadership skills required to navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful change in their future work.

We are dedicated to transformative work and sustainable impact. The Social Impact Fellowship is built for ambitious, dedicated, focused individuals who are committed to continuous learning and ready to contribute to a community-centered organization. Selected candidates will co-design their fellowship experience within the organization with additional responsibilities tailored to their personal goals and career objectives. 

Throughout the program, the Social Impact Fellow will work directly with Leigh Solomon Pugliano, founder, President & CEO of the Equity | Impact Center, and other team members, learning through in-depth participation in organizational activities alongside workshops and learning experiences designed specifically for the fellowship. 

Fellows will receive an $8,000 stipend upon successful participation in and completion of the program.

Areas of Focus & Learning:

Leadership Development

Organizational Effectiveness

Strategic Planning & Problem Solving

Entrepreneurship Across Sectors

Civic Engagement and Participation

Innovation and Creativity in Leadership

Network and Relationship Building

Comprehensive Solution Design and Implementation

Responsibilities Might Include:

• Support in the design and implementation of programming 
• Support internal operations, data collection, research, and administration
• Assist with planning community gatherings (design and implementation)
• Prepare and actively participate in team meetings, including utilizing the project management system, strategic visioning, and brainstorming 
• Prepare supporting materials and resources that advance the Equity | Impact Center and enhance programming
• Amplify and advocate for the Equity | Impact Center, our founder, team, and community members

Fellow Expectations

• Attend team meetings, workshops, events, and gatherings 
• Complete all tasks, project work, and deliverables
• Complete the fellowship final report and presentation
• Commit 20 hours per week (in person and virtual)
• Follow the Equity | Impact Center community agreements, values, and principles
• Fully participate in the program period November 5, 2026 through June 30, 2027

Social Impact Fellowship: Updated Timeline

Thank you to everyone who applied for the 2026-27 Social Impact Fellowship. Your response has exceeded our expectations, and we applaud everyone doing impact-driven work.

Because of the significant number of applications we received, we have updated our review timeline. Each application deserves a careful, thoughtful read, and we are committed to giving every applicant that level of attention.

Updated Timeline
Application review: 10/1 through 10/16
Finalist interviews: 10/20 through 10/23
Notification of decisions: 10/28-10/30
Fellowship begins: November 5th

All applicants will receive a notification by email. No further action is needed on your part at this time.

We appreciate your patience and your commitment to this work.