Cordes Foundation Fellowships for social entrepreneurs to participate in the Poverty Alleviation Unconference in Mexico

Cordes Foundation Fellowships provide opportunities for social entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders to participate as Delegates in the Opportunity Collaboration who for financial reasons are unable to attend. The hope and intent is to open doors, minds and networks for exceptional social entrepreneurs and nonprofit executives engaged in poverty alleviation and economic justice enterprises.

In total, 50 Cordes Fellows are selected through an international competition.

Fellows participate fully in all aspects of the Opportunity Collaboration. In addition, Fellows may earn a certificate of completion awarded by the University of the Pacific Global Center for Social Entrepreneurship. This on-site professional training symposium covers areas critical to the success of organizations and individuals creating social impact and combating poverty. The curriculum is designed in partnership with the Fellows and other Opportunity Collaboration Delegates

Eligibility Criteria

Successful Cordes Fellowship applicants are high-impact, innovative, entrepreneurial for-profit and nonprofit organization executives with a demonstrated commitment to economic justice and poverty alleviation, either domestically or internationally and with a current leadership position in their organization. Like all Delegates, Fellows are catalytic leaders who by their actions and accomplishments evidence pragmatic vision, passionate tenacity, multi-sectoral thinking, adaptive leadership skills, non-ideological activism, and a strong ethical grounding.

A core selection metric is the candidate’s aptitude and potential to leverage and benefit from attendance at the Opportunity Collaboration, including the ability to effectively network with seasoned change-makers and connect to potential partners to help grow their ideas and scale their ventures. Financial need is also a consideration.

Fellowship Terms & Conditions

Cordes Fellows selected from non-OECD countries receive a $4,750.00 full scholarship, and pay no registration fee. Fellows from OECD countries receive a $4,000.00 scholarship, and pay a $750.00 registration fee.

The all-inclusive Fellowship includes all on-site costs for housing and meals (5 nights lodging, 3 meals per day), gratuities, airport shuttle, etc. All Delegates and Fellows are responsible for their own airfare.

Fellows are required to attend the full Opportunity Collaboration in Ixtapa, Mexico, arriving October 15, 2010 and departing October 20, 2010.

Application Process & Deadline

Applicants must submit an application by April 15, 2010 to: Allison DeLauer (email: [email protected]). Applications received after April 15, 2010 will not be considered. All applicants will be notified by e-mail regarding the outcome of their application on or before May 15, 2010.

Applicants must submit:

1) Personal Resume

2) A brief description (not to exceed two pages) about the organizational mission (with URL) and a statement of the current challenges to your organization’s growth or mission fulfillment

3) Full contact information for references from individuals personally familiar with the applicant’s accomplishments and abilities.