Collaborative Discussion Emerging Fellowship 2027: $6,000 Stipend, Mentorship and Leadership Development
The Collaborative Discussion Emerging Fellowship 2027, offered by the Interactivity Foundation, is a year-long opportunity for individuals who want to strengthen collaborative dialogue, community engagement and democracy.
- FundingUSD 6,000, paid in three instalments
- DurationApproximately 1 year, during 2027
- Who can applyInternational applicants may apply, subject to US…
- Application feeFree
Overview
The fellowship supports emerging leaders in bringing meaningful discussions to their communities through workshops, educational resources and community-based projects. Selected fellows receive a $6,000 stipend, professional mentorship, coach training and support for two in-person gatherings.
The programme welcomes applicants from diverse professional backgrounds, identities and lived experiences who are committed to helping communities engage in constructive discussions.
Apply by: 8 November 2026, midnight Eastern Time
The Collaborative Discussion Emerging Fellowship is part of the Interactivity Foundation’s Collaborative Discussion Project, which explores how thoughtful, creative and inclusive conversations can strengthen communities and democratic participation.
The fellowship brings together emerging leaders who want to help people discuss complex issues, consider different perspectives and develop collaborative approaches to community challenges.
Selected fellows are paired with Senior Fellows who provide mentorship and guidance throughout the programme.
Each fellow works on a practical project that introduces or expands collaborative discussion in a community. Projects may include workshops, educational resources, certificate programmes or activities that encourage people to participate in meaningful conversations.
At a glance
About
- Opportunity type
- Leadership Fellowship
- Host organisation
- Interactivity Foundation
- Location
- United States, with virtual activities
- Duration
- Approximately 1 year, during 2027
- Mode
- Hybrid
- Programme name
- Collaborative Discussion Emerging Fellowship
- Additional benefits
- Coach training scholarship, mentorship, travel and expenses for two in-person gatherings
- Fellowship launch
- 7 to 8 January 2027, University of Delaware
- Results announcement
- 4 December 2026
- Activity
- Date
- Fellows notified
- 4 December 2026
- In-person fellows launch
- 7 to 8 January 2027
- Virtual coach training
- 20 January to 17 February 2027
- Project proposal due
- 12 March 2027
- Progress report and deliverable due
- 2 July 2027
- Final report due
- 1 October 2027
- In-person fellows showcase
- 4 to 6 November 2027
Funding
- Stipend
- USD 6,000, paid in three instalments
- Application fee
- Free
- W-9, ACH authorisation and travel arrangements
- 15 December 2026
Eligibility
- Minimum degree required
- No specific degree requirement stated
- Age limit
- None
- Work experience
- No fixed number of years stated
- Nationality
- International applicants may apply, subject to US work-authorisation requirements
Who can apply
The fellowship is intended for people who have demonstrated a commitment to collaborative discussion, community engagement or strengthening democracy.
The Interactivity Foundation welcomes applicants from a wide range of ages, careers, identities, political affiliations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds and lived experiences.
Applicants do not need to fit a single professional profile. What matters is their interest in strengthening meaningful discussion and their ability to develop a project that benefits a community.
Professional Background
The programme does not specify a single required profession or a fixed number of years of work experience.
Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to collaborative discussion and/or strengthening democracy in a particular community.
People involved in education, civic engagement, community organising, facilitation, public dialogue and related activities may find the programme relevant, provided they meet the formal requirements.
Minimum Degree Required
The official fellowship announcement does not specify a minimum academic degree requirement.
Selection focuses on the applicant’s commitment to collaborative discussion, community engagement and the proposed project.
Nationality and Work Authorisation
The fellowship welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, but there is a critical restriction.
Selected fellows must be legally authorised to work in the United States for the entire fellowship period.
The Interactivity Foundation states that compensated services must be performed in the United States and that it cannot sponsor visas or obtain employment authorisation for fellows.
International applicants should therefore confirm that they already meet this requirement before applying. Being welcome to apply from a diverse background does not remove the US work-authorisation condition.
The official announcement directs interested applicants to the online application. Review the application form carefully for the precise questions and documents required.
Applicants should be prepared to explain:
- Their commitment to collaborative discussion or strengthening democracy
- The community they hope to serve
- Their proposed project and its potential contribution
- Their availability for required training, meetings and gatherings
- Their eligibility to perform compensated services in the United States
Selected fellows must complete the required acceptance and administrative steps, including the W-9 and ACH authorisation requirements specified by the Foundation.
What you get
The programme offers financial support, training, mentorship and opportunities to develop practical community leadership skills.
1. USD 6,000 Stipend
Each selected fellow receives a USD 6,000 stipend, paid in three instalments.
This stipend supports the fellow’s participation and work throughout the programme. Applicants should review the official fellowship agreement for the applicable payment conditions.
2. Collaborative Discussion Coach Training
Fellows receive a full scholarship for the Collaborative Discussion Project Coach Training, valued at USD 495.
The training helps participants develop skills for facilitating collaborative discussions in communities and other settings.
3. Travel and Expenses
The programme covers travel and expenses for two in-person gatherings, subject to the fellowship’s arrangements.
The launch gathering is scheduled to take place at the University of Delaware on 7 and 8 January 2027. The fellowship showcase is scheduled for 4 to 6 November 2027, with its location to be confirmed.
4. Mentorship
Each fellow is paired with a Senior Fellow who provides regular guidance and support.
Participants also join monthly virtual meetings with a network of mentors and peers working to strengthen collaborative discussion and democracy.
5. Community Project
Fellows develop and complete a real-world project that advances collaborative discussion in a community.
Possible projects include:
- Designing and delivering a community workshop
- Developing a Collaborative Discussion certificate programme
- Creating an activity for the Collaborative Discussion Toolkit
- Introducing collaborative discussion to new audiences
- Developing educational resources that encourage constructive dialogue
6. Co-Authorship and Publication
Fellows contribute to a deliverable that advances the Interactivity Foundation’s mission. This may be a written publication, new curriculum or audiovisual media project.
How to apply
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official Interactivity Foundation fellowship announcement.
- Read the eligibility criteria, programme schedule and US work-authorisation requirement.
- Prepare your application responses and any materials requested in the application form.
- Explain your commitment to collaborative discussion and the community project you would like to develop.
- Submit your application through the official application link.
- Ensure that your application is submitted before the deadline.
Applicants should keep a copy of their submission and monitor their email for updates from the Interactivity Foundation.
Application Fee
The official fellowship announcement does not state an application fee.
Applicants should check the official application page for any updated instructions before submitting.
Final Takeaway
The Collaborative Discussion Emerging Fellowship 2027 offers a year-long opportunity to develop community leadership, facilitation skills and practical projects that strengthen collaborative dialogue and democracy.
With a USD 6,000 stipend, coach training, mentorship and support for two in-person gatherings, the programme may suit applicants who want to help communities engage in constructive and inclusive discussions.
However, the most important eligibility condition is that fellows must be legally authorised to work in the United States throughout the fellowship. The Foundation does not provide visa sponsorship or employment authorisation.
Application deadline: 8 November 2026
Official Links
- Official Programme Information and Application: https://www.interactivityfoundation.org/apply-now-to-become-a-collaborative-discussion-emerging-fellow/
- Interactivity Foundation: https://www.interactivityfoundation.org/
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Collaborative Discussion Emerging Fellowship stipend?
Selected fellows receive a USD 6,000 stipend, paid in three instalments.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
The fellowship provides a stipend, a scholarship for coach training and travel and expenses for two in-person gatherings. The official announcement does not guarantee coverage of every personal expense, so it is more accurate to describe the programme as a funded fellowship rather than promise that all costs are covered.
Can international applicants apply?
The programme welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, but selected fellows must already be legally authorised to work in the United States for the entire fellowship period. The Foundation does not sponsor visas or obtain employment authorisation.
Can Indian applicants apply?
Indian applicants may apply only if they meet the programme requirements, including the US work-authorisation condition. Indian citizenship or residence alone does not establish eligibility.
Is a university degree required?
No specific minimum degree requirement is stated in the official announcement.
Is there a fixed work-experience requirement?
The official announcement does not specify a fixed number of years of professional experience. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to collaborative discussion or strengthening democracy in their community.
What additional benefits are provided?
Benefits include a USD 495 coach-training scholarship, mentorship from a Senior Fellow, monthly virtual meetings, and travel and expenses for two in-person gatherings.
Where will the fellowship take place?
The programme includes virtual activities and two in-person gatherings. The launch is scheduled at the University of Delaware, while the showcase location is to be confirmed.
When will selected fellows be notified?
The Foundation expects to notify applicants on 4 December 2026.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 8 November 2026, midnight Eastern Time.
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