Are you a leader in Los Angeles making real change in your community? The Stanton Fellowship 2026 offers a chance to step back, think big, and find new ways to solve tough problems. This program from the Durfee Foundation gives experienced leaders time and money to explore ideas that can improve life in Los Angeles County.
What Is the Stanton Fellowship?
The Stanton Fellowship supports up to six leaders each year. It provides $100,000 over two years to study a big question with high impact. The goal is to spark new ideas and teamwork across different fields.
Fellows get space to focus on creative work, not daily tasks. They can use the money for travel, meetings, research help, or events. This setup helps leaders test fresh approaches to local challenges.
Key Dates for Applications
Mark these dates on your calendar for the Stanton Fellowship 2026:
- Applications open: April 1
- Deadline to apply: June 24
- Site visits: August 4-27
- Award notices: Early September
- Orientation: January 2027
For questions, email [email protected].
What the Fellowship Experience Looks Like
Fellows join a group of diverse leaders from various sectors. They share ideas and learn from each other. Key parts include:
- At least three months of project time over two years, in blocks of two weeks or more
- Three overnight retreats
- Six full-day group meetings
- Sharing knowledge with wider networks
Fellows must join all activities and share what they learn.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Rules
You must meet these basics to apply for the Stanton Fellowship 2026:
- Live in Los Angeles County
- Work for an organization based and active in the county
- Have 10+ years leading with real results in nonprofits, government, arts, social movements, or social business
- Influence others like peers, leaders, or the public
- Propose a clear “big question” to explore over two years
- Show need for project funds (this adds to your income)
- Commit to all program time
- No current school or group funding for similar work
- No Durfee Sabbatical in the last five years
The Durfee Foundation welcomes applications from groups serving Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, and low-income communities.
How Applications Are Reviewed
Judges look at three main areas.
The Candidate
They check if you are a known leader with strong skills in your topic. You need to be open to new ideas, have ways to share results, and commit time away from work. You should fit well in the group and lack other chances for this kind of study.
The Inquiry
Your project idea must tackle a key Los Angeles issue. It should be clear, new, doable in two years, and smart about time and money.
Timing
Show you are at the right career point. Explain why now matters and that your life allows you to finish.
Program Goals
The Stanton Fellowship 2026 seeks to let leaders dive deep into big issues. It builds a network of thinkers from different areas. In the end, it creates ideas and connections that help Los Angeles systems and people.
Steps to Apply
Prepare a strong proposal about your question. Submit by June 24. Apply here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Stanton Fellowship?
The Stanton Fellowship from the Durfee Foundation gives up to six LA leaders $100,000 over two years to study a big question and spark new ideas for local challenges.
Who can apply for the Stanton Fellowship 2026?
You can apply if you live and work in LA County, have 10+ years of leadership experience with real results, and propose a clear big question to explore.
What are the key dates for applications?
Applications open April 1, deadline is June 24, site visits are August 4-27, and award notices come in early September.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
Prepare a strong proposal on your big question and submit by June 24 through the Durfee Foundation’s online portal.
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