Applications Open for 2015 Class of Acumen India Fellows                     

Acumen is changing the way the world tackles poverty by investing in companies, leaders and ideas. We invest patient capital in business models that deliver critical goods and services to the world’s poor, improving the lives of millions. Since 2001, Acumen has invested more than $88 million in 82 companies across South Asia and Africa. We are also working to build a global community of emerging leaders that believe in creating a more inclusive world through the tools of both business and philanthropy. Please visit www.acumen.org for more information.

Currently in its inaugural year, the Acumen India Fellowship is a one-year leadership development program for emerging leaders dedicated to pursuing innovative solutions to India’s most intractable social problems. The Fellowship provides the opportunity for emerging leaders to remain in their jobs while coming together for five seminars throughout the year. Fellows receive world-class trainings on topics ranging from design thinking to adaptive leadership and gain access to Acumen’s extensive network of mentors.

Who Can Apply:

Fellows come from different backgrounds, cultures, and sectors. Ideal applicants will meet the following criteria: 

• Individuals who are working to end poverty in their community through some kind of social change project.

-Though many of our Fellows work in the social enterprise space, selected Fellows can be working in any sector (i.e. for-profit, non-profit, social enterprise, government)  in any issue area (i.e. human rights, agriculture, education, etc),  We will consider a handful of exceptional individuals who are not currently engaged in a project, but have significant experience or show strong leadership potential.

• Entrepreneurs who started their own organization, or leaders who are influencing change within an existing organization.

-       Selected Fellows are entrepreneurial in attitude, mindset, and approach. This does not mean every fellow is running or leading an organization. We are looking for individuals who exercise leadership from every role in all aspects of their lives. They take risk and refuse to accept the status quo.

• Individuals can be any age or education level, but must be able to fully participate in a program that is conducted in English.  
• Must be from India and show a demonstrated commitment and concrete connection to that country or region.
• Must demonstrate strong personal integrity, unrelenting perseverance, and moral imagination.
• Must be ready and willing to undergo an intensive year-long personal transformation and leadership journey.

To Apply:

To apply or learn more about Acumen’s Regional Fellows Programs, please visit http://bit.ly/indiafellows.

Applicants must submit their applications online. All applications must be received by

5:00 PM GMT Monday 1 September 2014 for the India Fellows Program, Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. For questions, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions. If you still have questions after reading the Frequently Asked Questions, please email either indiafellows@acumen.org or contact Jacqui Papineau at jpapineau@acumen.org.