Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to everyday operations, and a new global fellowship aims to help non-profit professionals lead that transition responsibly.
- Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to everyday operations, and a new global fellowship aims to help non-profit professionals...
- Applications are now open for the 2026 Changemaker Fellowship, which targets professionals working across non-profits, UN agencies, and intergovernmental organisations...
- Participants will work on real institutional challenges and build implementation plans tailored to their organisations. According to the programme outline, fellows...
- Fellows will then refine AI use cases relevant to their organisations before moving into roadmap development and implementation planning. By the...
Keep reading for the full breakdown on AI adoption — everything you need to know is covered below.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Changemaker Fellowship, which targets professionals working across non-profits, UN agencies, and intergovernmental organisations seeking to integrate AI into their institutions.
The programme is being delivered in partnership with Microsoft, EY, and implementation partners in the digital development sector. Organisers say the initiative will help participants move beyond basic AI experimentation and develop practical strategies that can improve operations, fundraising, cybersecurity, and service delivery.
Fellowship Targets Real-World AI Adoption
The 10-week fellowship focuses on helping mission-driven organisations adopt AI tools in a structured and ethical manner. Participants will work on real institutional challenges and build implementation plans tailored to their organisations.
According to the programme outline, fellows will learn how to strengthen internal systems, reduce repetitive administrative tasks, improve donor engagement, and support data-informed decision-making. The curriculum also includes governance, risk management, and organisational change management.
The fellowship comes at a time when many nonprofits are under pressure to improve efficiency while adapting to rapidly changing technological developments. Organisers noted that many institutions are already experimenting with AI tools but often lack formal policies or long-term implementation strategies.
Participants Will Build AI Action Plans
The programme begins with onboarding sessions and problem identification exercises. Fellows will then refine AI use cases relevant to their organisations before moving into roadmap development and implementation planning.
By the end of the fellowship, participants are expected to produce a customised AI adoption plan that can be deployed within their institutions. The final phase includes a capstone presentation and a peer feedback session.
Participants will also receive mentorship from industry experts and implementation advisers, as well as join an international peer network focused on responsible AI adoption in the nonprofit sector. Organisers say graduates will remain part of a long-term global community of practice after the programme ends.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to registered non-profits, NGOs, intergovernmental organisations, UN agencies, and regional or country offices working on operational challenges where AI can deliver measurable impact. The fellowship is conducted entirely in English and welcomes applicants from around the world.
The organisers are particularly looking for professionals with institutional backing who can lead AI implementation efforts within their organisations. Teams may nominate between one and three participants to collaborate on a shared project.
Applications for the 2026 Changemaker Fellowship close on May 22, 2026, at 23:59 PST. Successful applicants will be selected through a multi-stage review process involving experts from Microsoft Elevate, EY, Caribou, and other partner organisations.
To apply, visit the official website.