Fellowships offer immense opportunities and scope to advance a social impact mission. Whether your passion is teaching underprivileged children, volunteering in under-resourced areas, studying government policies in rural areas or facilitating international relations, fellowships allow you to pursue what you love as well as further your career. 

Fellowships also offer hands-on experience in ground-level work which helps to broaden your horizons. The stipend provided during the fellowship period can help students pay for their education and professionals to build their savings. 

Here are 10 fellowships in the social sector : 

1. Head Held High Fellowship 

HHH foundation is a Bengaluru-based non-profit on a quest to tackle humanity’s oldest and most persistent problem - poverty. 

About the fellowship

The program provides the youth with an opportunity to become certified trainers and transform the illiterate population of India into capable workers. It trains committed volunteers for two months before deploying them to partner centres for eight months. 

The program is open to Indian nationals, young professionals, and international applicants between the ages of 18 - 30. 

Visit their website to know more. 

2. Acumen Regional Fellows India 

Launched in 2001, Acumen aims towards creating a country where every people has equal opportunity to live with dignity. They hope to achieve this through the power of entrepreneurship. 

About the fellowship 

The program equips 20 individuals with the knowledge, practice wisdom and support system to drive positive change in society. Over one year, fellows can work or study while taking part in part-time seminars. Here, they will receive tools, training and space to innovate new ideas and accelerate impact across various regions. 

The costs associated with the program as covered by the organisation. Candidates who wish to apply must be Indian nationals. 

Visit their website to know more. 

3. Teach For India 

Launched in 2009, Teach For India is building a movement of leaders who will eliminate educational inequity in India. To build these leaders, they offer a two-year fellowship program for India promising youth. Fellows are exposed to the grassroots realities in the Indian education system. This helps them cultivate skills and mindsets to attain leadership positions and make a change. 

About the fellowship 

This is a year two-year paid commitment that places graduates and professionals as full-time teachers in low-income schools. There is a selective recruitment and selection process focused on teacher training and leadership development. The organisation also measures the impact of impact on students and the leadership growth of fellows. 

Applicants must be Indian citizens, and selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 17, 500 every month. 

Visit their website to know more. 

4. India Fellow Programme

This program helps young people become socially conscious leaders of tomorrow. In the process, it also helps them discover what they are truly meant to accomplish in life. However, the end goal of the fellowship is to create compassionate leaders who understand social challenges in India. 

About the fellowship 

The fellowship spanning over 13 months includes training, working and mentoring components. Fellows will participate in several workshops that build problem-solving and leadership skills. They will work in ground-level organisations and help them grow. 

A monthly stipend is provided to cover costs. Interested candidates must be Indian citizens between the ages of 21 - 28, with a University-level degree. 

Visit their website to know more. 

5. SBI Youth For India 

The SBI YFI is a rural fellowship programme that selects outstanding youngsters to volunteer in development projects. 

About the fellowship

The one-year fellowship offers a wide variety of projects, in different regions, to choose from. In the end, fellows will also develop a holistic project towards the growth and development of their region. 

The fellowship covers living, transports, and medical insurance. Other projects costs are covered on a case basis. Interested applicants must be Indian citizens between the ages of 21-32. 

Visit the website to know more. 

6. Chief Minister Fellowship Program 

This fellowship program offers a unique opportunity to work with the Maharastra government. It allows meaningful participation in policymaking, execution and evaluation of new programs. 

About the fellowship

During the 11-month program, fellows visit various knowledge institutions across the state. They are also provided with experience working in the social development sector. 

Fellows are paid a monthly stipend of Rs 40,000 along with insurance. Interested candidates must be Indian graduates between the ages of 21-26.

Visit the website to know more. 

7. Banyan Impact Fellowship 

Organised by the American India Foundation, the BIF is an interdisciplinary experiential learning program for young professionals in the USA and India. Through the program, fellows learn about grassroots development and inclusive leadership. 

About the fellowship 

Through the 10-month fellowship, fellows and local communities exchange knowledge and skills to steer social and economic development projects. The selection process involves a written application letter followed by an interview. 

Interested applicants must be citizens of India or the USA and between the ages of 21-31. Selected candidates will be provided with a monthly stipend, living costs, and other benefits. 

Visit their website to know more. 

8. Ashoka Fellowship 

For more than 35 years, the Ashoka Fellowship has built and nurtured the largest network of social entrepreneurs. Through their programs, individuals can increase their chances of deepening social impact. 

About the fellowship

Over three years, fellows receive stipends to carry out their initiative. They also receive access to a network of like-minded social entrepreneurs, peer learning opportunities and more. 

Candidates with a new system-changing idea that addresses social or environmental issues are eligible to apply. 

Visit their website to know more. 

9. Goonj Fellowship 

Goonj, a Bengaluru-based organisation started its fellowship program in 2018. They aimed to identify “doers”- those with a passion to make a difference. 

About the fellowship 

The one-year fellowship aims at engaging the youth in real-life challenges, tasks, and experiences. The immersive experience of urban and rural realities in India will help them ideate action plans to bring change. 

Fellows will receive a monthly stipend along with a travel allowance. Candidates between the ages of 21-30 are eligible to apply. 

Visit their website to know more. 

10. Azim Premji Foundation Fellowship 

Azim Premji Foundation is a non-profit organisation that has been working since 2000 to improve the elementary education system in rural India. 

About the fellowship

The fellowship is an opportunity for working professionals from diverse fields looking to contribute to social change. It includes an amalgamation of learning about the public education system, contributing on the ground, as well as building a career. 

During the one-year programme, fellows work at remote locations exploring public education in close association with government schools. Post-completion, fellows can also try for a long-term career with the foundation. 

Candidates below the age of 35 years with four-five years of work experience are eligible to apply. 

Visit their website to know more.