Create a free account and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the in-person components entail?
Fellows will travel to either Denver, Colorado, or Shanghai, China for a mandatory week-long in-person Immersive experience. This intensive week is designed to build strong community bonds and provide foundational programmatic information. Additionally, Fellows are expected to facilitate a Basecamp event in their local communities during the program, with training and a stipend provided for this. There will also be optional meet-ups with other Fellows in their respective locations, fostering continuous networking and collaboration.
What are the costs associated with this program (travel, fees, deposit, etc.)?
While the program itself is fully-funded, Fellows are responsible for covering their travel expenses to and from the mandatory in-person Immersive experience in Denver or Shanghai. Some meals during the in-person programming will also be the Fellows' responsibility, though accommodation for the immersive is provided. There are no application fees, program fees, or deposits collected directly associated with this Fellowship, making it accessible to talented leaders regardless of their financial background.
What kind of solutions is the fellowship looking for?
The fellowship specifically targets leaders who are actively building solutions to address critical youth mental wellbeing challenges. This includes innovative approaches, services, or technologies aimed at improving the mental health and emotional resilience of young people. Solutions can be focused on specific regions, such as China, or have a broader global impact. The key is a strong commitment to creating meaningful, scalable change in this vital sector.
What is the expected time commitment for the fellowship?
The Enlight Fellowship requires a weekly time commitment of 8-10 hours. This includes mandatory virtual workshops held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, which Fellows attend in one of two designated time blocks (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM MT or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MT). The commitment also encompasses various community-building events, optional mentorship sessions, planning and implementation for the Basecamp project, and preparations for the final virtual Summit. Active engagement throughout the entire 16-week program is prioritized for a successful community experience.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes, the Enlight Fellowship is explicitly designed for rising leaders globally. Fellows may be based anywhere in the world, with the cohort intentionally including youth leaders focused on improving youth mental wellbeing in China as well as those addressing global challenges. The program's international scope is further evidenced by the choice of immersive locations in Denver, Colorado (USA) and Shanghai, China, facilitating cross-cultural collaboration.
What is the startup stage required for applicants?
Applicants' businesses or organizations should have been operating for 1 to 5 years. They are expected to have engaged customers, measurable results, and to have secured some form of initial funding, which could be through grants, investments, donations, or earned revenue. The fellowship is designed for ventures that are ready to grow to the next level, suggesting an early-to-mid revenue stage.
About this grant
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 youth mental wellbeing globally.
This fellowship aims to empower visionary entrepreneurs who are deeply committed to addressing the critical challenges in youth mental health. It fosters cross-cultural collaboration and global impact by providing a robust framework of expert-led training, guidance from experienced facilitators and speakers, personalized mentorship, and extensive coaching support. The program is built on the belief that sustained impact comes from strong communities and continuous learning. Fellows gain not only essential entrepreneurial tools and strategic insights but also access to a powerful global network, enabling them to significantly scale their ventures and drive meaningful change within their communities and beyond. The program emphasizes practical application, connecting fellows with a vibrant ecosystem of support designed to accelerate their growth and the reach of their solutions. Through this intensive experience, participants are equipped to navigate the complexities of social entrepreneurship in the mental wellbeing sector, developing both their leadership capabilities and the operational strength of their initiatives.
Eligibility
This fellowship is for leaders aged 18 or older who are deeply committed to improving youth mental wellbeing.
Applicants should be building solutions addressing youth mental wellbeing challenges in China and/or globally, with a strong focus on scalable impact.
Ventures should have been operating for 1-5 years, have fewer than 10 employees, engaged customers, measurable results, and some prior funding (grants, investments, donations, or revenue).
Benefits & Funding
Equity-free (non-dilutive)
Non-repayable grant
Disbursed as fellowship
Disbursement: Milestone Based
The Enlight Fellowship is a fully-funded program, ensuring that promising rising leaders can dedicate themselves to scaling solutions for youth mental wellbeing without financial burden.
While a specific stipend amount for the core fellowship is not detailed, Fellows receive comprehensive support that covers program participation costs.
