Fellowships and Convenings/

Who Says You Can't Change the World?

At The Rockefeller Foundation, we believe you can make the world better with big bets. That's why we're building a community that brings together emerging leaders with bold solutions for today's challenges and empowering them to turn those ideas into reality.

Join us.

If you’re passionate about solving the world’s toughest problems — like combating climate change, creating economic opportunity, or transforming systems for a more sustainable future — and eager to be part of a dynamic community of emerging leaders working on bold solutions, we’re building a community for you.

  • Be part of a community making transformative change
  • Get access to exclusive resources and support to develop your big bet
  • Accelerate progress on global challenges and shape a better future

Joining the Big Bets Community is free. As a member, you will receive a newsletter at the end of each month with exclusive resources and opportunities, like information about how to apply for our Big Bets Fellowship. Applications are open now for the 2026 Africa Cohort. By joining the community, you will receive information about how to apply.

Each month, we also spotlight a member of our community in our newsletter. Take a look at our November member spotlight below and check out all the spotlights on our YouTube page.

Big Bets Fellowship: Africa

The 2026 Fellowship will empower leaders to develop entrepreneurial solutions, resilient systems, and policies that seize the opportunity for growth that is good for people and the planet.

Learn about the fellowship

Join the Big Bets Community if:

  • You are an optimist. You don't get consumed by today's cynicism.

  • You think bigger. You focus on what it takes to boldly solve problems.

  • You find fresh, innovative solutions, even ones that are risky.

  • You recruit and retain committed partners, however unlikely they may be.

  • You fiercely learn and persist.

Community Member Spotlight

Dr. Aral Surmeli

Meet Dr. Aral Surmeli, founder of HERA Digital Health and a pioneer in using AI to transform healthcare for refugees. His work has already reached more than 300,000 women and children across the Middle East and Africa, and he’s just getting started.

His Big Bet: A future where every displaced family can access lifesaving care, no matter where they are.

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