Stanton Fellowship 2026: $100K for LA Leaders to Solve Big Problems
Are you a leader in Los Angeles making a real difference in your community? The Stanton Fellowship 2026 offers a chance to step back, think big, and find new ways to tackle tough problems. This program from the Durfee Foundation gives experienced change-makers up to $100,000 over two years to explore bold ideas that can improve life in Los Angeles County.
Application Timeline
The process moves quickly, so mark these dates on your calendar. Applications open on April 1 and close on June 24. Site visits happen from August 4 to 27, with award notices in early September. The in-person orientation starts in January 2027. For questions, email [email protected].
What the Stanton Fellowship Offers
This fellowship picks up to six leaders each year. It provides funding and time to dig into a key question with high impact for Los Angeles County. Leaders who are deep in their work can use this to try fresh approaches, not just fix things in the usual way. The money is flexible for travel, meetings, research help, conferences, or team activities. It lets you test ideas that your daily job might not allow.
The Fellowship Experience
Fellows join a group of diverse leaders from different fields. They share ideas and learn from each other. Key parts include at least three months of focused project time over two years, with each block at least two weeks long. There are three overnight retreats and six full-day meetings. Fellows also share what they learn with their networks and wider groups.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria
You must live in Los Angeles County and work at an organization based there. You need at least 10 years of leadership in nonprofits, government, arts, social movements, or social entrepreneurship. Show impact and the ability to sway peers, leaders, or the public. Your idea must be a clear “big question” for two years, and you need the funding as extra support. Commit to all activities, and you can’t have similar backing from work or school. No Durfee Sabbatical in the last five years. The Durfee Foundation welcomes applicants from groups serving BIPOC, LGBTQ, and low-income communities.
How Applications Are Reviewed
Judges look at three main areas.
The Candidate
They check if you are a known leader with a strong name in your topic. Do you welcome new tests and sharing? Can you take time off and join the group well? Do you lack other ways to do this research?
The Inquiry
Your project must tackle a big Los Angeles issue. Make it clear, new, doable in two years, and smart with time and money.
Timing
Show this fits your career now. Explain why it matters right away and that your life allows you to finish.
Program Goals
The fellowship helps leaders study key issues deeply. It builds a mix of thinkers across fields. This leads to new ideas, links, and changes that help systems and people in Los Angeles County.
How to Apply
Get ready with a strong plan for your question. Submit by June 24. Apply here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do applications for the Stanton Fellowship 2026 open and close?
Applications open on April 1 and close on June 24. Site visits run from August 4 to 27, with award notices in early September.
Who is eligible to apply for the Stanton Fellowship?
You must live and work in Los Angeles County with at least 10 years of leadership in nonprofits, government, arts, or social entrepreneurship. You need a big question to explore and commit to all program activities.
What does the Stanton Fellowship provide?
It offers up to $100,000 over two years for flexible uses like travel, research, and team activities. Fellows get focused project time, retreats, meetings, and a network of diverse leaders.
How are applications reviewed for the Stanton Fellowship?
Judges review the candidate’s leadership and fit, the inquiry’s clarity and impact on LA issues, and the timing in your career. It must be a new, doable project.