If you have an organization that works towards the welfare of your town, province or its underprivileged people then you probably are aware of Acumen. Acumen is a not-for profit organization that is based in New York and works across the globe to tackle issue related to poverty. They have regional offices in India, Pakistan, Kenya and Ghana.
About Acumen Foundation
Established in 2001, the Acumen foundation boasts of some of the most recognized names when it comes to philanthropic endeavors. With seed capital from the Rockefeller Foundation, Cisco Systems Foundation and three individual philanthropists. Acumen’s investors and advisors include also the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Google.org and the Skoll Foundation. Jacqueline Novogratz is the founder and CEO of Acumen.
Acumen works with entrepreneurs and businesses granting loans or making equity based investments. As of last year, Acumen has investments worth $88 million in social enterprises across developing nations. Since inception they have invested in 82 enterprises which has helped over 100 million people and created over 60,000 jobs.
Acumen runs a Fellowship program with chosen leaders from these countries to help nurture and grow them into better leaders, equipped to usher change in the society they live in. Acumen chooses 20 leaders every year for its prestigious fellowship program that lasts five weeks. During these seminars the fellows receive tool and training to innovate and make a difference to the society they live in.
What Does The Fellowship Entail
The Regional Fellowship Program is tailored to mold the local talent working with non-profit organizations into next generation leaders who have the vision to change and transform the world around them. This leadership development program gives the Fellow attendees a vision and tools and skills to make that a reality.
From the host of applications, 20 extra-ordinary individuals are chosen for this unique transformational journey. Over the course of the year they are equipped with knowledge, support system, and practical know-how to identify opportunities for change and drive the change leading from the front.
As a Fellow at Acumen, you attend 5 week long seminars through the course of the year. If selected, you can still continue your regular work or business as usual.
Acumen Fellowship Modules
The fellowship year is broken into various modules for ensuring focused learning and in-depth exploration of each topic. The year is broadly divided into the following modules:
- Moral Imagination
- Adaptive Leadership
- Operational Skills training – Human Centered Design, Lean Start-Up & Financial Skills.
- Systems Thinking through a Learning Trip
- Wrap-up and Graduation
What makes it stand apart from other programs of its kind is the entrepreneurial approach to solve issues plaguing the society and people around us. The program looks at innovative ways to produce and provide affordable goods and services to improve the lives of those in need.
You can learn more about Acumen fellowship and apply for their annual regional fellowship on the Acumen website. This is a golden opportunity for you to network with and learn from the global social leaders who have made eradication of poverty and social welfare their life’s mission.
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