leadership development initiative designed for emerging and established leaders of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and social enterprises worldwide. The programme particularly supports professionals from low- and middle-income countries who lead initiatives that advance social impact and community transformation. Through structured training, mentorship, and global networking, the Fellowship equips participants with practical leadership competencies, organisational management skills, and strategic insight to strengthen their institutions and promote sustainable development.

Programme Objectives

The programme is structured around three core objectives:

• Leadership Capacity Strengthening: To enhance the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies of individuals leading small and medium-sized NGOs and social enterprises.
• Access to High-Impact Professional Development: To deliver world-class training, cross-cultural learning, and global exposure to practitioners working within diverse sectors.
• Community Building: To cultivate a global community of leaders and change-makers dedicated to designing, scaling, and sustaining initiatives that contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world.

Programme Duration and Key Dates

The 2026 Global Fellowship Programme runs fully online from June to December 2025. Key dates include:

• • Applications Close: 16 January 2026

• Recruitment Period: 19–31 January 2026
• Orientation Ceremony: 28 February 2026
• Programme Start: 1 March 2026
• Programme End: 30 September 2026
• Graduation Ceremony: 18 November 2026

Applicants are required to sign in with a Google account to submit their forms.

What Fellows Can Expect

Fellows selected for the programme receive access to tailored leadership development opportunities designed to strengthen their professional influence and organisational impact. Programme benefits include:

• Personalised Mentorship: One-on-one online leadership mentoring and coaching delivered by experienced faculty and sector experts.
• Virtual Masterclasses: A series of high-level masterclasses facilitated by specialists in leadership development, change management, monitoring and evaluation, health and wellness, and strategic programme design.
• Global Summit Access: Complimentary all-access pass to The NGO Whisperer Global Summit.
• Professional Visibility: Opportunities to be showcased in The NGO Whisperer Magazine and podcast.
• Alumni Network Engagement: Lifetime access to a growing global community of alumni, offering collaboration, peer support, and knowledge exchange.

Faculty Team

The programme is led by a multidisciplinary faculty with extensive experience in leadership development, organisational systems, wellness, and social impact. Faculty members include:

• Carolyne A. Opinde Dr.h.c., Founder and Convenor
• Barry Davis, Leadership Development Instructor
• Florence Chikowore, Human Change Management Instructor
• Charles Warria, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Instructor
• Sheryl Puterman, Health and Wellness Instructor
• Steve Puterman, Health and Wellness Instructor

Target Participants

The Fellowship is designed for:

• Founders, executive directors, and senior leaders of NGOs
• Programme managers, coordinators, and organisational strategists
• Leaders of social enterprises and community-based organisations
• Practitioners working in development, humanitarian, health, education, advocacy, or social innovation sectors

While the programme welcomes global applicants, it prioritises leaders working in low- and middle-income regions.

Fellowship Impact and Global Reach

Since its inception, the Fellowship has cultivated an international network of social impact leaders across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Fellows represent organisations focused on human rights, education, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, community health, social innovation, youth development, peacebuilding, and environmental sustainability.

The list of Fellows from 2021 to 2025 reflects a diverse global cohort of practitioners who have applied the Fellowship’s training to strengthen organisational systems, expand partnerships, scale programme delivery, and enhance sustainability in their communities. The Fellowship’s alumni demonstrate measurable contributions to policy advocacy, grassroots organising, humanitarian response, and community development across their respective countries.

Selection and Admission

Admission to the programme is competitive. Selection is based on:

• Professional leadership experience and organisational role
• Commitment to social impact and community transformation
• Demonstrated need for capacity building
• Alignment between the applicant’s organisational mission and programme objectives
• Potential for long-term leadership influence within the NGO or social enterprise ecosystem

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted during the recruitment period for further steps in the selection process.