Open Society Black Male Achievement Fellowship, USA 2012

Fellowships are reserved for individuals who are launching organizations dedicated to Black Male Achievement in the United States. Fellowship projects should align with the Campaign for Black Male Achievement priorities focused on improving the life outcomes of black men and boys in the three core areas of: education, family, and work.The BMA Fellowship will include start-up capital and technical assistance over 18 months to help new leaders launch and build their organizations; access to technical support and pro bono partnerships; and a community of like-minded social entrepreneurs and public service leaders.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. • Applicants must have sufficient English fluency to participate in interviews and events. • Organization must be the original idea of the applicant. • Organization must be in a start-up phase. To be considered a start-up, the organization may have been in operation for up to two years, and the Fellowship’s financial support should qualify it as significant early funder. Applicants who have only worked on their organization on a part-time basis or have yet to start the organization are generally considered eligible. • Organization must be independent and autonomous. Organizations cannot be considered independent or autonomous if they are started under the direction of an existing organization. The applicant must be the primary decision maker for the organization’s development and management. Generally, organizations with fiscal sponsors are still considered autonomous. • Applicants must make a full-time commitment (minimum 35 hours per week) to the organization’s development for the duration of the two-year fellowship. It is expected that all selected fellows resign from their current employment to dedicate themselves full-time to their initiatives. Students will not be eligible for their fellowship stipend if their organization is put on hold due to conflicts with their studies.