Who is an Ashoka Fellow?

Ashoka invests in people. We believe that the growth of a global citizen sector begins with the work of leading social entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs drive the sector forward, responding to new challenges and changing needs. 

Anchored by the Selection Criteria and our Selection Process we elect Ashoka Fellows. Ashoka Fellows are leading social entrepreneurs who we recognize to have innovative solutions to social problems and the potential to change patterns across society. They demonstrate unrivaled commitment to bold new ideas and prove that compassion, creativity, and collaboration are tremendous forces of change. Ashoka Fellows work in over 60 countries around the globe in every area of human need.

Ashoka Fellows are practical visionaries who introduce and fully commit themselves to a new idea or implement an existing idea in an innovative and impactful way. They bring in a fresh analysis and insight on how to fix a social problem. They challenge the system and open new opportunities for citizens to be changemakers. With creativity and entrepreneurial skills, they push ahead their idea until it changes a pattern through wide adoption, often over many years.

Ashoka elects these leading social entrepreneurs at different stages outlines below:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               For Fellows in the launch phase, Ashoka provides a living stipend for an average of three years, allowing them to focus full-time on building their institutions and spreading their ideas. Ashoka also introduces all its Fellows to a global platform of social entrepreneurs that in turn opens doors for opportunities and collaboration. Once elected, Fellows benefit from this community for life. For details on the fellowship, see the Fellowship page.