[Aspen Institute](https://www.aspeninstitute.org)

June 2026

Limited flexible capital to seed partnerships and aspects of fellows’ work; 18-month fellowship term.

Fellowship for diverse leaders to drive systemic change and advance policies supporting the prosperity and well-being of children and families.

This is a highly selective leadership development fellowship, not a traditional research grant.

--- ## Description The Ascend Fellowship, offered by the Aspen Institute, is an 18-month leadership development program designed to invest in a diverse cadre of leaders who are strategically positioned to drive systemic change for children and families. Fellows are drawn from across sectors—policy, research, advocacy, direct service, philanthropy, and more—and are united by their commitment to advancing intergenerational family prosperity and well-being. The program emphasizes collaboration, action planning, and leadership coaching, with the goal of shaping policies and systems for transformative impact. Fellows participate in forums, receive leadership coaching, and develop and implement an action plan that amplifies their vision for enabling children and families to reach their full potential. The fellowship provides limited flexible capital to support partnerships and aspects of fellows’ work, and leverages the Aspen Institute’s network to amplify fellows’ leadership and ideas. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026: Application deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Fellows receive limited flexible capital to seed partnerships and aspects of their work. - The fellowship term is 18 months. - The program primarily offers leadership development, convening opportunities, and strategic support, rather than direct research funding or large project grants. --- ## Eligibility - Open to leaders across sectors who are well-connected, well-prepared, and strategically positioned to drive change in systems affecting families. - Fellows typically have demonstrated leadership in advancing policies or practices that promote the prosperity and well-being of children and families. - The program seeks diversity in sector, background, and approach; there is a strong emphasis on cross-sector collaboration. - The fellowship is competitive and highly selective. --- ## Application Process - Application details and deadlines are announced on the [Ascend Fellowship program page](https://ascend.aspeninstitute.org/ascend-fellowship/). - The process generally involves a written application and may include nomination, interviews, and references. - Interested applicants can contact the Ascend Fellowship team for more information or to express interest. --- ## Additional Information - The Ascend Fellowship is not a conventional research grant but a leadership fellowship with some flexible capital for projects. - Fellows are expected to participate in four forums, monthly coaching or peer group calls, and to develop an action plan for systemic impact. - The Aspen Institute leverages its platform to amplify the work and impact of fellows. - Alumni remain engaged in the Ascend network and broader Aspen Institute leadership initiatives. --- ## External Links - [Ascend Fellowship Program Page](https://ascend.aspeninstitute.org/ascend-fellowship/) - [Ascend at the Aspen Institute](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/ascend/) - [2Gen Approach Overview](https://ascend.aspeninstitute.org/2gen-approach/) - [Meet Current and Alumni Fellows](https://ascend.aspeninstitute.org/group/ascend-fellows/?_fellow_current_alum=current) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | More Info | |-------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|---------------|-----------| | Lori Severens, Director | [Ascend.Fellowship@aspeninstitute.org](mailto:Ascend.Fellowship@aspeninstitute.org) | 202-736-5800 | [Team Page](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/people/lori-severens/) | | James White, Program Manager | [Ascend.Fellowship@aspeninstitute.org](mailto:Ascend.Fellowship@aspeninstitute.org) | 202-736-5800 | [Team Page](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/people/james-white/) | | Adam Flango, Communications Officer | [adam.flango@aspeninstitute.org](mailto:adam.flango@aspeninstitute.org) | | [Team Page](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/people/adam-flango/) | | General Ascend Contact | [ascend.info@aspeninstitute.org](mailto:ascend.info@aspeninstitute.org) | 202-736-5800 | | ---

Ascend Fellowship

Sign in to see full grant listing