Eisner Prize Fellowship 2026-2027: Fully Funded Chance to Bridge Generations

Are you a leader with ideas to connect young people and older adults for real community change? The Eisner Prize Fellowship 2026-2027 offers a fully funded chance to turn those ideas into action. This program from the Eisner Foundation supports innovators in the United States with up to $50,000 in funding and expert guidance.

Key Benefits of the Fellowship

Fellows receive strong support to grow their projects. The package includes a $10,000 personal stipend that you can use as needed. It also provides $40,000 for your project to cover costs like materials or events.

On top of the money, you get access to a network of experts and leaders in social change. Fellows join an in-person meeting in Los Angeles to start their work. They also take part in online group sessions and get one-on-one mentoring. This setup boosts your skills and connects you to the respected Eisner Prize name.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

This fellowship looks for individual leaders, not groups or companies. It fits social entrepreneurs, researchers, nonprofit workers, tech innovators, educators, healthcare pros, or community builders. Students and early-career people with solid project plans qualify too.

The program welcomes diverse applicants. It urges young leaders, people of color, and those serving overlooked groups to apply. You can link to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or use a fiscal sponsor, but you lead the project yourself.

Where You Need to Be Located

The Eisner Prize Fellowship is open only to people based in the United States. International applicants cannot join at this time. Your project should aim to create change within U.S. communities.

What You Need to Qualify

To apply, your project must meet clear rules. First, it has to focus on linking generations, like youth teaming up with seniors. The idea should be fresh or build on something new, not just keep an old program going.

Second, prove it can work in one year with the $40,000 budget. Show a clear plan with steps and results you can measure. Third, display your leadership skills through past work, team support, or experience. You handle the project as the main leader.

Projects the Fellowship Funds

Many types of ideas fit this program. Community events that mix ages work well. Research on how youth and elders team up is welcome. Tech tools to link generations, school mentorships, or new ways to care for people also qualify.

The main point is real connections between age groups. Projects must create clear benefits, like stronger bonds or better community health.

How the Fellowship Program Works

Once picked, fellows follow a set path with room to adapt. It starts with a kickoff event in Los Angeles. Then come monthly online meetings for sharing tips, guest speakers, and group talks.

You get personal check-ins from foundation staff. Fellows also share their stories through blogs or talks. This mix of funding, learning, and exposure helps you succeed and grow as a leader.

Reasons to Go for This Opportunity

The Eisner Prize Fellowship does more than give cash. It builds your name in social impact work. You join powerful networks and test big ideas. The link to the Eisner Foundation lasts beyond the year.

If you care about fixing problems through age-group teamwork, this program gives tools and reach to make a difference.

Steps to Apply

Submit an online form with your project plan, background info, and work history. Add extras like portfolios, letters, or links if they help. Check the site for full details.

Apply here: eisnerfoundation.org/apply-for-the-fellowship

Application Deadline

All applications are due by May 10, 2026. Start planning now to meet the date. For more details, visit eisnerfoundation.org/mission-focus-areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Eisner Prize Fellowship?

It’s a fully funded program from the Eisner Foundation that gives up to $50,000 and expert support to U.S. leaders with ideas to connect youth and older adults for community change.

Who can apply for the fellowship?

Individual leaders in the U.S., like social entrepreneurs, educators, or community builders, who have projects linking generations qualify, especially diverse applicants serving overlooked groups.

What funding and support does it provide?

Fellows get a $10,000 personal stipend, $40,000 for the project, plus mentoring, online sessions, an in-person kickoff in Los Angeles, and access to a network of experts.

When is the application deadline?

All applications are due by May 10, 2026; submit online with your project plan and background info via eisnerfoundation.org.