$30,000 for Social Justice Changemakers – Voqal Partners Fellowship 2027

The Voqal Partners Fellowship 2027 provides $30,000 in unrestricted funding to support individuals developing bold, innovative ideas that challenge inequality and create lasting social change.

The six-month programme supports grassroots leaders, community organisers and changemakers who want to develop and test new approaches to social justice.

Unlike traditional funding programmes, applicants do not need an established organisation, finished product or fully developed project.

The fellowship focuses on supporting people with promising ideas and helping them turn those ideas into practical action.

Applications are currently open and close on 31 October 2026.

Here's what you can expect:

• $30,000 in unrestricted funding

• An additional $1,000 healthcare stipend

• Six months of structured fellowship support

• Eight fellows selected annually

• Personalised coaching and mentorship

• Access to experienced social justice leaders and advisers

• Travel expenses covered for three in-person gatherings

• Childcare support for fellows with dependants under 18

• Networking with other changemakers

• Continued access to an alumni community

• Full ownership of any intellectual property developed during the programme

What projects can be funded?

The fellowship supports ambitious, early-stage ideas addressing systemic inequality and creating meaningful change.

1. Social Justice and Equality

Projects challenging unfair systems and promoting more equitable opportunities.

Examples include:

• Addressing systemic discrimination

• Challenging institutional inequalities

• Developing new approaches to social justice

• Supporting communities experiencing exclusion

2. Community Empowerment

Ideas helping communities strengthen their influence over decisions affecting their lives.

Examples include:

• Grassroots organising

• Community-led advocacy

• Developing local leadership

• Creating new opportunities for community participation

3. Innovative Social Change

Projects introducing new approaches to longstanding social challenges.

Examples include:

• Testing new community organising models

• Developing innovative advocacy strategies

• Exploring technology-enabled civic participation

• Challenging existing institutional practices

4. Supporting Historically Excluded Communities

Initiatives developed alongside communities experiencing structural barriers.

Examples include:

• Improving representation

• Strengthening community resources

• Supporting grassroots leadership

• Developing more equitable systems

These examples are illustrative. Voqal Partners is particularly interested in bold ideas that challenge existing systems rather than simply improving established services.

Who can apply?

The fellowship welcomes individuals who:

• Are aged 18 or over

• Are based in the United States

• Can legally receive funding in the United States

• Have an early-stage social justice idea

• Demonstrate a strong connection to the communities they aim to support

• Are prepared to develop and test their ideas during the fellowship

Applicants do not need:

• A registered nonprofit organisation

• An established business

• A completed project

• A finished product

• A fully developed business plan

Who does the programme prioritise?

Voqal Partners particularly encourages applications from individuals with lived experience of the issues they are addressing.

This includes people from communities historically excluded from philanthropic funding.

The programme values:

• Community-led leadership

• Strong connections to affected communities

• Bold and ambitious ideas

• Innovative approaches to systemic change

• A clear vision for a more equitable future

How much funding is available?

Fellowship Award: $30,000

Healthcare Stipend: $1,000

Total Direct Financial Support: $31,000

The $30,000 fellowship award is generally paid as a lump sum at the beginning of the programme.

Funding is unrestricted and can be used for expenses supporting the individual and their project.

Eligible uses may include:

• Living expenses

• Equipment

• Hiring contractors

• Project development

• Travel

• Implementation costs

• Other expenses supporting the fellowship work

Fellows also receive funded travel to three in-person gatherings.

What is expected from participants?

Successful applicants must:

• Work on their fellowship project from April to September 2027

• Attend three in-person gatherings

• Participate in monthly cohort calls

• Engage with coaches and mentors

• Share their learning and progress at the end of the programme

Fellows can continue other employment or professional activities during the programme.

However, they are expected to prioritise their fellowship project.

How does the application process work?

Step 1 – Check Eligibility

Applicants should confirm that they meet the age, residency and funding requirements.

Step 2 – Prepare the Project Idea

Applicants must explain:

• The social challenge they want to address

• Their vision for creating change

• How they intend to develop their idea

• The communities involved

• What they hope to learn or achieve

Step 3 – Complete the Online Application

The application includes four sections:

• Eligibility

• Basic Details

• Project Specifics

• Additional Details

Step 4 – Submit a Budget

Applicants must provide a budget explaining how they plan to use the $30,000 award.

The budget helps Voqal Partners understand the applicant's plans but is not used to assess the quality of the application.

Step 5 – Selection Process

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interviews in January 2027.

Successful fellows are expected to be selected between February and March 2027.

Key dates

Applications Opened: September 2026

Application Deadline: 31 October 2026 at 11:59pm Eastern Time

UK Deadline Equivalent: 1 November 2026 at 3:59am GMT