Reliance Foundation Opens Applications for 2027 WomenLeaders India Fellowship
Fifty Indian women leaders driving social impact across agriculture, education, and economic development will receive specialized support through the next cycle of the WomenLeaders India Fellowship, Reliance Foundation reported. Applications for the fully funded program remain open until November 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM IST.
The initiative, launched in 2022 alongside technical partner Vital Voices Global Partnership, has already empowered 100 social sector leaders. The upcoming cohort will focus on four specific thematic areas: women’s empowerment and economic agency, children’s well-being and foundational learning, youth development and skills for the future, and climate-resilient agriculture and rural livelihoods.
Participants Must Hold Decision-Making Authority and Active Projects
Selected participants will commit six to eight hours per month over the 10-month duration of the program. Applicants must hold decision-making authority within their respective organizations, businesses, or initiatives, and possess an active social impact project to refine throughout the fellowship.
The program divides participants into two professional tracks based on experience. Social entrepreneurs must hold at least 50 percent equity and key decision-making roles in for-profit or non-profit ventures utilizing entrepreneurial models. Social sector leaders must hold significant executive roles, such as chief executive officer, president, or executive director, within civil society, non-profit, for-profit, or philanthropic organizations.
Support services include mentoring, peer engagement, visibility opportunities, and project development. Participants also commit to tracking their progress with Reliance Foundation and Vital Voices for up to 24 months following the conclusion of the program.
Applications are officially OPEN.The 2026-2027 WomenLeaders India Fellowship, powered by Reliance Foundation, is opening an opportunity for 50 extraordinary Indian women driving change in their communities.Implemented together with technical partner Vital Voices, over 10 fully… pic.twitter.com/szKjPYaq7k
Timeline for Selection and Program Launch
Vital Voices will host an online information session on November 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM IST for prospective applicants. Inquiries regarding the application process can be directed to WomenLeadersIndia@vitalvoices.org using the subject line “2026-2027 WomenLeaders India Fellowship Application.”
Selected candidates will receive notifications by the second week of December 2026, with all remaining applicants notified by the end of December 2026. The program officially kicks off in February 2027 with an in-person convening in Mumbai, India.
Applications Close November 11 for Fully Funded Program
- Application Deadline: November 11, 2026 (11:59 PM IST)
- Program Cost: None (fully funded)
- Time Commitment: 6 to 8 hours per month for 10 months
- Kickoff Location: Mumbai, India (February 2027)
- Post-Program Commitment: Progress tracking for up to 24 months