Applications are open for the 2025 Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship. This program is fully-funded, thanks to the generous support of the Ford Philanthropy.
Opportunity Details
The Watson Institute is thrilled to announce that the 2025 Mobility Fellowship is now the 2025 Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship, with the generous support of Ford Philanthropy. This new name reflects their continued dedication to fostering innovation in mobility and sustainability, strengthened by Ford Philanthropy’s commitment to driving positive social impact through philanthropy.
The Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship is an intensive venture and leadership development program designed to empower mobility and transportation-focused entrepreneurs and community leaders to elevate the mobility-based businesses they are building. This fully-funded virtual program aims to equip entrepreneurs with the essential skills and hands-on experience necessary to enhance their ventures, access invaluable networks and resources, and drive transformative change in their communities.
Dates and Details
1. Who you are:
You are an entrepreneur or community leader deeply committed to creating sustainable, scalable impact in your community. Your venture focuses on mobility, transportation, or accessibility, aiming to increase access to transportation or provide services on wheels. Alternatively, you might be seeking to expand the mobility of your venture and looking to enhance or implement mobile solutions or put your services on wheels through this Fellowship. You possess an entrepreneurial spirit, a growth mindset, and are driven to develop as an effective leader.
2. Venture Stage:
You are an impact-driven entrepreneur with proven products, traction, and revenue. This Fellowship targets those in the ‘missing middle’ stage—entrepreneurs who have moved beyond prototyping but need support to grow. You lead a mobility, transportation, or accessibility-focused social impact venture or community endeavor in its initial stages, showcasing a history of making a difference. Ideal candidates have demonstrated impact in their communities and are in the Problem-Solution Fit or Product-Market Fit stages, with engaged customers and measurable outcomes in both impact and revenue.
3. Commitment:
You are able to commit to the 16-week program including a 2-week virtual immersive. We prioritize individuals who are fully committed to actively participating in the entire program. At the heart of the program is a strong sense of community, and its success hinges on the active engagement and enthusiasm of all participants, who are eager to both learn and share.
4. Where You Are Creating Impact:
Applicants located in and/or creating impact in the following locations are encouraged to apply:
5. What You Are Looking For:
You are seeking expert-guided entrepreneurial training, a community of entrepreneurs to provide feedback that improves your venture, and a wide-reaching mentorship network to enhance your leadership abilities and the impact of your venture.
6. Demographics:
Adults 18 or Older.
1. Applications Submitted: Complete the online application. This application should take approximately 45 minutes to fill out. The priority deadline for application submissions is January 12th, 2025. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis thereafter until the spots are filled.
2. First Round Review: Their Admissions Committee diligently reviews all applications, seeking entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong leadership qualities and ventures that are both innovative and scalable. Applications received after the deadline will be assessed on a rolling basis as needed.
3. Interview: Qualified applicants will receive invitations for a 20-minute one-on-one Zoom interview. This interview allows them to delve deeper into your motivations for pursuing the Fellowship and to gain a better understanding of your venture.
4. Admissions Committee Review: The most promising applicant profiles will be shared with their external Admissions Committee for their final review and selection.
5. Acceptances Announced: Notifications of acceptance will be sent out no later than February 10th, 2025.
6. Fellows Confirm & Enroll: The final step to complete your enrollment is to confirm your commitment to the program. Upon confirmation, you will receive an invitation to participate in a “Meet the Cohort Webinar” event leading up to the program’s commencement. The program begins on February 27th, 2025.
Apply for Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship