Study in USA | Truist Foundation Fellowships 2026
The 2026 Truist Foundation Fellowship, hosted by Watson Institute, is now open for applications. This fully funded program supports small business owners, social entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders working to help underserved and underbanked communities in the U.S. Participants receive mentorship, funding connections, expert-led workshops, and access to a strong alumni network, without any tuition or program fees.
About the Fellowship
The fellowship is a mission-driven program designed to help leaders grow their ventures and create community impact. It targets entrepreneurs with businesses or organizations operating for 1–5 years who are ready to expand. The curriculum combines business skills, leadership development, and hands-on community initiatives. Fellows receive guidance from experienced mentors, collaborate with peers, and have opportunities to showcase their ventures to potential investors and partners.
Program Structure
Running from March 4 to June 19, 2026, the fellowship uses a mix of virtual and in-person learning. It starts with an intensive in-person session (March 4–12) covering leadership, financial management, and community engagement. Afterward, online workshops are held three times a week, requiring about 8–10 hours per week, including planning for Basecamp projects and Summit preparation. Regional networking events also connect participants with local business leaders, mentors, and partners. The program concludes with an in-person Summit where Fellows present their ventures to investors, Truist Foundation representatives, and other leaders.
What Fellows Gain
Participants take part in practical business and leadership workshops on topics like scaling, financial management, team leadership, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Each Fellow is paired with a mentor for personalized guidance on growth, investor readiness, and community impact.
A key feature is the Basecamp Project, where Fellows design and lead short local workshops to support emerging entrepreneurs in their communities. Training and a stipend are provided, encouraging Fellows to give back while applying their learning. Fellows also receive Pitch Development and Presentation Training, helping them craft professional presentations to showcase their ventures at the Summit.
In short, the fellowship equips entrepreneurs not just to grow their businesses, but also to strengthen their communities through mentorship, skill-building, and practical experience.
Eligibility Requirements
The Truist Foundation Fellowship looks for enthusiastic individuals currently making a difference through their initiatives and are keen to expand their reach.
For eligibility, applicants must:
- Be owners of small businesses, leaders of nonprofits, or entrepreneurs in early stages who concentrate on solutions for communities that are underserved or underbanked.
- Have managed their business for one to five years, showing tangible progress and having fewer than ten staff members.
- Commit entirely to the 16-week program, which includes attending all live sessions and the in-person elements.
- Be located in the United States, especially in areas where the Truist Foundation operates — such as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Ohio.
- Must be at least 18 years old when applying.
Candidates should demonstrate professional skills and a solid sense of community leadership, along with the drive to remain connected with peers and alumni well after the program concludes.
Program Cost and Funding
This fellowship incurs no charges for the chosen participants. No tuition fees or deposits are necessary, and the organizers supply all learning materials.
The Truist Foundation completely finances the program, which takes care of the fellowship’s operational costs. Participants might need to cover some travel or meal costs during in-person meetings, yet they are provided with a Community Development Stipend to aid their Basecamp initiatives and local impact efforts.
Procedure for Application and Schedule
The application procedure for the Truist Foundation Fellowship 2026 aims to be straightforward but discerning. It guarantees that only the most driven and purpose-oriented entrepreneurs are selected.
Prospective candidates should start by completing the online application form, which takes roughly 30 minutes to finish. Applying by the priority deadline of January 12, 2026, is strongly advised. Applications submitted after that date will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are occupied.
Following submission, selected candidates will be asked to participate in a 20-minute Zoom interview. This dialogue enables the selection committee to understand the applicant’s history, their venture’s social and economic objectives, and their aspirations for development.
The final decisions will be revealed by February 9, 2026, and chosen candidates will subsequently confirm their participation to guarantee their spot in the program, which officially starts on March 4, 2026.
Reasons This Fellowship Is Important?
The Truist Foundation Fellowship is unique as it connects community impact with entrepreneurial sustainability. It doesn’t just instruct on business management; it prepares Fellows to be catalysts for change, recognizing the value of inclusive growth, fair access, and social innovation.
For entrepreneurs who frequently experience loneliness in their venture, this program provides not just mentorship and access to funding but also a solid feeling of community within a network of similar-minded innovators.
How to Submit an Application?
The Truist Foundation Fellowship 2026 is currently accepting applications. Every applicant must submit their applications online via the official Watson Institute website.
Deadline for Applications
The deadline for priority applications for the Truist Foundation Fellowship 2026 is January 12, 2026. Candidates are urged to send in their submissions prior to this deadline for early consideration, as applications will be evaluated continuously until all positions are occupied.
The official announcement of the final selection results will take place on February 9, 2026, and afterward, chosen candidates need to confirm their participation to guarantee their spot in the cohort. The program duration will be from March 4 to June 19, 2026, including both virtual and face-to-face elements.
The Fellowship will wrap up with the In-Person Summit in June 2026, during which Fellows will showcase their final venture pitches and commemorate their accomplishments with mentors, investors, and the Truist Foundation team
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