EISNER FOUNDATION PRIZE FELLOWSHIP

Application Deadline: May 10, 2026

LOCATION: USA

The Eisner Prize evolved into the Eisner Prize Fellowship to provide financial resources, networking opportunities, and the prestige of the Eisner Prize to leaders with new ideas and perspectives that will propel the field forward. The application for the 2026-27 cycle will be open April 13-May 10. Register for the Showcase and Info Session here.

ELIGIBILITY:

The Eisner Prize Fellowship application is open to anyone in the United States working to innovate in the area of intergenerational connection. People of color and those working with historically marginalized communities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Please note that the Fellowship is for individuals and not intended to serve as a grantmaking program for nonprofits. While nonprofit staff may apply and execute their project under their organization’s umbrella, the project proposed should be a new effort developed and executed by the Fellow. Co-leadership teams may apply, but since the application is set up for individuals, applicant teams must select one person as the main contact. The award funds will remain the same for each fellowship, even if awarded to a team.

Fellows typically convene in July to begin their Fellowship. In the months following, the cohort will regularly meet over Zoom to share their progress and learn from experts and each other. Meeting content and frequency will be tailored to and co-created with the cohort.

Fellows will also occasionally check in individually with the Eisner Foundation. Each Fellow is asked to contribute a short blog post for The Eisner Foundation’s blog at some point during the Fellowship.

BENEFIT:

The Fellowship provides $50,000 total, split as follows:

$10,000 stipend to the Fellow to be used however they wish; it should be disbursed in addition to the Fellow’s salary, not in partial replacement of it

$40,000 for project execution to support new, clearly defined intergenerational projects, and ideally will exclude overhead costs

APPLY

WATSON INSTITUTE ENLIGHT FELLOWSHIP

Priority Application Deadline: July 5, 2026. 

LOCATION: China

The Enlight Fellowship, supported by the Enlight Foundation and powered by the Watson Institute, is a fully funded entrepreneurial and leadership development program designed specifically for rising leaders creating solutions to mental well-being globally. The Fellowship fosters cross-cultural collaboration and global impact through expert-led training, facilitators, speakers, and mentors; personalized life coaching; and long-term alumni support. 

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants must be 18 years or older.

You are a youth entrepreneur or community leader deeply committed to improving mental wellbeing. You are building a solution that addresses mental wellbeing challenges in your community, with a strong focus on creating meaningful, scalable impact in China and across a global cohort. You bring an entrepreneurial spirit, a growth mindset, and a desire to grow as an effective leader.

Your business or organization has been operating for 1-5 years with fewer than 10 employees. You have engaged customers, measurable results, and have secured some funding through grants, investments, donations, or revenue, but you’re ready to grow to the next level.

You must be able to fully commit to the 16-week Fellowship, including the mandatory week-long In-person Immersive in Boulder, Colorado or Qingshan Village, Hangzhou, China, as well as active participation throughout the program. You can attend all weekly virtual workshops held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Fellows will participate in one of two groups, each with a designated start time: from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM MT or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MT. We prioritize participants who are fully committed to active engagement throughout the entire program. The program’s success depends on building a strong community where all participants are enthusiastic about both learning and sharing their experiences with others.

Fellows may be based anywhere in the world. The cohort will include youth leaders focused on improving mental wellbeing in China as well as those addressing youth mental wellbeing challenges globally.

You are seeking expert-led entrepreneurial training, mentorship from facilitators and speakers with deep mental wellbeing expertise, a supportive peer community, and a strong network to help you grow as a leader and scale your venture’s impact.

BENEFIT:

This program is fully funded through the generous support of the Enlight Foundation.

Business & Leadership Workshops: Participate in hands-on sessions focused on entrepreneurship, business acumen, and financial literacy skills led by expert practitioners who are successful entrepreneurs and or rising leader themselves.

Financial Tools & Resources: Access practical financial tools, frameworks, and workshops designed to strengthen your venture’s financial foundation. Benefit from the expertise of practitioners and the Watson Institute’s broader network of specialists supporting entrepreneurs at every stage.

Basecamps: Creating Lasting Impact: Design and lead a community-focused 1-day workshop (Basecamp) for earlier-stage ventures, with training and a stipend provided to support you in deepening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in your community.

Pitch Training & in-person Summit: Develop and refine a professional, compelling pitch through dedicated training sessions. Present your venture progress and impact at the in-person Summit to community partners, mentors, potential investors, and Enlight Foundation team members.

APPLY

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