Global Fellows in Courage (GFiC) is a 6-month accelerator program (via Zoom) designed for social entrepreneurs aged 25-35 who are working to advocate for human rights and gender justice. The mission of the fellowship program is to help emerging leaders drive bold and courageous social change, improve their effectiveness, and advance their missions throughout the world.
In strategic partnership with CHRHS Brown University
GFiC believes in the power of knowledge, networks and access to resources and aims to equip Fellows with:
Fellows gain access to an online curriculum and meet twice monthly via Zoom.
Fellows gain access to a global community of human rights leaders. They remain engaged as alumni of both GFiC and the Brown University’s Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies.
Fellows gain access to GFiC’s global network of experts who support the advancement of their mission and impact.
Each Fellow will receive a $2,500 stipend upon successful completion of the program, acknowledging their dedication, active participation, and commitment to the fellowship.
Upon Successful completion, Fellows are eligible to apply for up to $10,000 to support progress on their projects.
Fellows receive a certificate of completion from GFiC and Brown University Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies.
The program is designed for emerging leaders (target age 25 to 35) who have demonstrated leadership experience and extraordinary potential. Ideal candidates have already made an impact in human rights advocacy through entrepreneurship, showcasing a strong track record of success and the potential to achieve much more. A strong command of English language is required. We will recruit 45 Fellows in 2025.
Requirements:
Applicants are between the ages of 25 and 35, with exceptions possible.
A minimum of 3 years of experience in human rights advocacy, activism, community organizing, or social entrepreneurship.
Demonstrated engagement in Gender Justice or related areas.
Proficiency in English is mandatory.
Applicants should have sufficient control of their time/schedule, being able to commit to program expectations. Failure to meet program commitments may result in ineligibility for the grant program.
GFiC Fellows are expected to:
Two 3-hour Zoom sessions per month, engaging in discussions, skill-building, and real-world applications.
Including videos, reading and short assignments. Up to 4-6 hours per month.
Make progress on a project throughout the course of the program and pitch the project during the final cohort session.
Participate in group coaching sessions and meet with your individual coach at least twice monthly.
Since launching in 2024, we have accelerated the work of 11 human rights leaders. We are recruiting 45 Fellows in 2025.
GFiC connects Fellows to a global network of advisors and experts, fostering continuous support and collaboration. Through shared learning and mutual encouragement, fellows build strong relationships that empower and drive collective impact.
Candidates are required to complete an online application, including resume, by the 1st of April. Selected applicants will undergo an interview process to assess their fit with the program’s mission and goals.
By applying, Fellows commit to:
Actively participating in all program activities, including twice-monthly virtual sessions and assigned pre-work.
Engaging fully with their coach and the fellowship network to maximize their learning and impact.
Leveraging program resources to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Application Period: February 13 — April 1, 2025
Semi-Finalists selected: May 1, 2025
Fellows Announced: June 1, 2025
Fellowship: July-December, 2025
Grant Support Pitches: January 15, 2026
Applicants are expected to complete the form and upload their CV in one session. We recommend reviewing the questions and updating your CV before starting the application.
If you have any questions, email us and we’ll be happy to help.
The Brown University Center for Human Rights & Humanitarian Studies supports the development of the curriculum, engages lecturers and professors from the University, provides certificates for the Fellows after the program, and offers opportunities to be included in the Global Fellows group of CHRHS Brown University, as well as other ongoing programs.
The Fellowship is open to young social entrepreneurs ages 25-35 who are working to advance human rights with a gender justice focus. Fellows must be fluent in English and be able to commit to the time requirements of the program.
Social entrepreneurs are individuals who lead initiatives aimed at promoting positive social change. GFiC supports social entrepreneurs working in the field of human rights, with a focus on gender justice.
The approximate time commitment is 10-12 hours per month. Fellows are expected to:
- Attend two 3-hour zoom sessions each month over the course of 6 months.
- Conduct up to 2 hours of pre-work before each session.
- Meet with coach for 2+ hours each month.
- Work on a Fellowship project during the six month duration of the program.
Fellowship projects could include but are not limited to: launching a new initiative or venture, launching a new program, planning a significant advocacy initiative, developing a campaign to establish legal or regulatory change. The GFiC team works with Fellows to define their projects.
Gender justice refers to the equal access to rights, resources, opportunities, and protections regardless of gender. It aims to eliminate systemic inequalities, gender-based violence, and discrimination while promoting fairness, inclusion, and empowerment across all sectors of society.
Social entrepreneurship can take many forms. If you are leading an initiative that attracts people and resources toward human rights advocacy, you may be a strong candidate for our support.
Step 1: Application Submission
All applicants must submit their application forms by April 1, 2025.
Step 2: Shortlisting & Notifications
By May 1, 2025, all candidates will receive an email informing them whether they have been shortlisted for the next phase.
Step 3: Interview Round
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a 20-minute selection interview between May 12–16, 2025.
Step 4: Final SelectionThe final 45 fellows will be officially announced on June 1, 2025.
We believe we can be most helpful to people who have had some extraordinary successes and failures already, have learned from these experiences and possess the spirit and commitment to persevere for decades to come.
Yes, fellows who successfully complete the program will receive a joint certificate from Global Fellows in Courage and the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies at Brown University.
The Program costs are funded by donor individuals and organizations around the world all of whom share a belief in the advancement of human rights.
