Gratitude Network is accepting applications for its 2027 Fellowship, a highly selective 13-month accelerator for nonprofit leaders whose organisations serve children and young people. About 30 leaders from around the world are chosen each year for executive coaching, strategy sessions, peer learning and a lifelong global network, a package Gratitude Network values at over US$10,000.
It’s open to nonprofit leaders worldwide, including in Africa. Gratitude Network even held a 2026 regional summit in Kenya. Part 1 applications close on 15 January 2027.
Important: this isn’t a free programme for everyone. Costs are subsidised, and about 75% of selected Fellows get a full or partial scholarship, but organisations choose a tuition tier from US$0–1,000 up to US$4,000. See the details below.
At a Glance
| Organiser | Gratitude Network |
| Length | 13 months (kick-off June 2027, showcase June 2028) |
| Places | About 30 Fellows a year (from 1,000+ applicants) |
| Who can apply | Full-time leaders of youth-serving nonprofits worldwide |
| Cost | Tiered tuition: US$0–1,000, US$2,500 or US$4,000 (scholarships for ~75%) |
| Deadline | Part 1: 15 January 2027 |
Benefits
- Executive coaching: 12–24 hours of one-to-one leadership coaching with certified coaches
- Scaling Up curriculum: 10 hours of strategy and operations sessions for your leadership team
- Peer circles: 12 hours of learning with other Fellows from around the world
- Team empowerment: your leadership team can join the sessions too
- Lifelong alumni network, with ongoing access to programmes and resources
- Curated grant opportunities shared every two weeks, matched to your region and focus
- Workshops, introductions, speaking opportunities and an annual in-person summit
According to Gratitude Network, 94% of Fellows report stronger leadership skills, and alumni organisations grow revenue about 3.5 times on average within three years.
Eligibility
You must meet all of these requirements.
The leader
- Has strategic decision-making power in the organisation
- Works full-time for the organisation
- Is ready to scale the organisation and is open to coaching
- Has advanced to fluent English
- Can commit to the Fellowship’s schedule
The organisation
- A legally registered nonprofit, charity or NGO
- Operating for at least two years
- At least two full-time equivalent staff (the leader counts as one)
- Annual budget between US$50,000 and US$2 million
- Mainly serves children and youth in education, health and well-being, or children’s rights
Tuition and Scholarships
- Tier 1 (US$0–1,000): for small or resource-constrained organisations
- Tier 2 (US$2,500): for organisations with moderate budgets
- Tier 3 (US$4,000): for well-resourced organisations
Organisations choose the tier that fits their budget. Full or partial scholarships go to around 75% of selected candidates.
How to Apply
- Check that both you and your organisation meet every requirement above.
- Submit the online Part 1 application by 15 January 2027.
- If selected, submit Part 2, including a video, by 12 February 2027.
- Finalists have virtual interviews in April 2027. Fellows and tuition are confirmed in May 2027, and the programme starts in June 2027.
Official Gratitude Network Fellowship application page
Tips for African Applicants
- Show you’re ready to scale. Give clear numbers: young people reached, staff, budget and growth.
- Pick an honest tuition tier. If your budget is small, Tier 1 starts at US$0.
- Prepare your registration documents, budget and leadership team details early.
