Applications are now open for the 2026 Samuel Fellows in Belonging program

2026 Samuel Fellows in Belonging Program now open!

Are you passionate about social change, community-building, and tackling isolation? The 2026 Samuel Fellows in Belonging program is now accepting applications!

Title: Samuel Fellows in Belonging (2026 Cohort)
Location: Remote / Global
Organisation: Belonging Forum
Programme Duration: 8 Months
Contract Type: Fellowship (Bursary-Supported, Non-Employment)
Application Deadline: March 16, 2026

This unique, bursary-supported applied research Fellowship supports individuals from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with partner organisations around the world on projects designed to strengthen belonging and social connectedness.

If you are passionate about addressing social isolation, building inclusive communities, and contributing to meaningful change through research and storytelling, we encourage you to apply before the closing date of March 16, 2026.

About the Samuel Fellows in Belonging Programme

The Samuel Fellows in Belonging is more than a research opportunity—it is a global catalyst for social connection and inclusive change.

Designed for students, recent graduates, and individuals with lived experience, the programme creates space for immersive learning, applied research, and real-world impact.

Through an 8-month structured Fellowship, participants undertake a defined research project in partnership with a leading organisation working to address belonging, community resilience, and social justice issues.

As a Fellow, You Will:

• Work alongside leading global partner organisations exploring belonging, social justice, and community-building
• Conduct applied research that influences policy, education, health, urban design, and community resilience
• Engage in thought leadership and advocacy that shapes public narratives

• Receive mentorship, professional development, and access to a global network of changemakers
• Produce a final public-facing output (such as a report, essay, briefing, or equivalent creative output)

The Fellowship is conducted entirely remotely, enabling participation from anywhere in the world.

Fellowship Structure and Financial Support

What Is the Fellowship Grant?

Selected Fellows receive a Fellowship grant (educational award) composed of two components:

Living Support Stipend
To help cover living expenses during the Fellowship period (e.g., rent, food, utilities, childcare).

Project Expenses Budget
To support reasonable research-related costs such as:

• Travel (if required)
• Transcription services
• Accessibility supports
• Venue hire for community discussions
• Research materials
• Participant honoraria (in line with policy)
• Dissemination costs

The total grant value and payment schedule will be shared with successful candidates before acceptance.

Payment Structure

The grant is typically paid in four instalments linked to agreed milestones:

• Start of Fellowship (upon agreement of deliverables and budget plan)
• Two mid-point check-ins
• Submission of final deliverable and completion of agreed outputs

This milestone-based structure ensures educational integrity and sustained support throughout the 8-month programme.

Important Note

This Fellowship is not employment. Fellows are not employees or contractors of the Belonging Forum. The programme does not provide a salary or employment benefits. Instead, it is structured as an educational and research-based award.

Tax implications may apply depending on your country of residence. Fellows are responsible for seeking independent tax advice.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome applications from individuals across disciplines, sectors, and life stages. Ideal Applicants May Include:

Students and Recent Graduates

Individuals eager to explore the social dimensions of belonging and apply research in real-world contexts.

People with Lived Experience

Those who have navigated isolation, marginalisation, or challenges to belonging, and want to transform insight into action.

Researchers, Storytellers, and Advocates

Individuals ready to translate research, practice, or lived experience into impactful public outputs.

You do not need to be currently enrolled as a student. Our cohorts are intentionally intergenerational and diverse, bringing together academic knowledge and lived expertise.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Eligibility varies by partner organisation and project theme. However, we are generally looking for individuals who demonstrate:

• A strong passion for building a more inclusive and connected world
• Curiosity about research and social-connectedness frameworks
• Alignment with the specific project theme (through research, practice, or lived experience)

• Strong English writing and communication skills
• Capacity to independently manage an applied research project
• Ability to collaborate closely with partner organisations

• Willingness to learn or apply qualitative research methods
• Commitment to sharing learning in ways that strengthen belonging in real-world settings

Selection is based on:

• Fit with the project’s purpose and issue area
• Evidence of capacity to complete the project within 8 months
• Equity and equal opportunity considerations
• Potential impact of the proposed work

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.

If you are unsure whether you “fit,” but feel deeply connected to the theme, we strongly encourage you to apply. Lived experience and practice-based insight are valued alongside formal academic and professional expertise.

What to Expect During the Programme

Fellows will participate in:

• An onboarding conversation to confirm project scope and milestones
• Regular check-ins with programme staff
• Cohort-wide group calls
• Orientation and research workshops
• Mid-project deliverable (e.g., blog post or reflective piece)
• Final public-facing output

All Fellows’ work will be published on the Belonging Forum website and shared via social media and partner channels. Fellows will also create a dissemination plan outlining how their work will reach relevant communities and stakeholders.

Ethics, safeguarding, accessibility, and consent processes are integrated into the research framework.

Partner Organisations

Each Fellowship is delivered in collaboration with a partner organisation that:

• Shapes the research focus
• Provides subject-area mentorship
• Offers practical learning environments
• Supports outreach and interviews (where appropriate)

While partners may contribute to the selection process, the final award decision rests with the Belonging Forum, in accordance with its governance as a Canada-headquartered charity administering educational awards.

Support and Mentorship

Fellows benefit from a structured and relational support system.

Partner Organisations Provide:

• Subject-area guidance
• Project mentorship
• Professional development support

The Belonging Forum Provides:

• Administrative support
• Capacity-building workshops
• Mentorship from programme managers and alumni
• Access to Belonging Lab researchers
• Regular cohort engagement sessions

The programme is intentionally designed to feel steady, collaborative, and rooted in belonging.

MORE FELLOWSHIPS:

• The Asia Foundation invites applications for the 2026 Margaret F. Williams Memorial Fellowship in Asian Art
• SOLIDAR: Policy & Research Fellows and Project Fellows
• 2026 – 2027 New Roots Institute Fellowship now open for applications!

How to Apply

Applications for the 2026 Samuel Fellows in Belonging are now open.

Deadline: March 16, 2026

To review detailed descriptions of partner organisations, research themes, and eligibility criteria, please visit the Fellowship page: https://belongingforum.org/samuel-fellowship/

If you are ready to challenge isolation, inspire change, and reimagine what it means to belong, we invite you to apply.

For questions, contact: scfellowship@belongingforum.org

---