✨ Should I Apply for Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity (AFRE)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
Approximately 2% to 4%
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Approximately $10,000 USD stipend plus project funding opportunities up to $10,000 USD
🗓
Deadline
August 1 (Annual)
📚
Fields
Racial Justice, Social Equity, Leadership Development, Public Policy, Community Organizing
🏆
Awards/Year
20 fellows per cohort
🌏
Study Country
United States and South Africa
🏛️
Provider
The Atlantic Philanthropies in partnership with Columbia University and the Nelson Mandela Foundation
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Acceptance
2% based on average applicant pools of 500-1000 for 20 spots
The Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity is a premier year-long leadership program that connects and empowers mid-career leaders in South Africa and the United States. It focuses on building powerful networks to challenge anti-Black racism and advance racial equity through collaborative action and personal development.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to activists, artists, journalists, lawyers, and academics based in the US or South Africa who have demonstrated leadership in the fight for racial justice.
🏛️ Host University
Columbia University (New York) and Nelson Mandela Foundation (Johannesburg)
🤝 Sponsor
The Atlantic Philanthropies
📚 Fields of Study
Racial Justice, Social Equity, Leadership Development, Public Policy, Community Organizing
✨ Key Benefits
The fellowship covers all costs associated with the program including travel, lodging, and meals during modules, provides a $10,000 stipend, and offers access to a lifelong global community of leaders.
🎯 Target Students
Mid-career leaders, community organizers, and social justice advocates
🏷 Tags
Racial Equity
Global Fellowship
Social Change
US-South Africa
Leadership
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes (All program and module costs are fully covered)
Living Stipend
Yes (A participation stipend is provided to support time away from regular work)
Total Award
Approximately $10,000 USD st
✈️ Travel: Yes (All travel costs for program modules are fully covered)
🏠 Accommodation: Yes (Covered for all in-person international and domestic modules)
💊 Health Insurance: No (Fellows are expected to maintain their own health insurance)
🔄 Renewable: No
💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes (All program and module costs are fully covered)
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes (A participation stipend is provided to support time away from regular work)
🏡 Accommodation
Yes (Covered for all in-person international and domestic modules)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (All travel costs for program modules are fully covered)
💊 Health Insurance
No (Fellows are expected to maintain their own health insurance)
🎁 Other Benefits
Access to a global network of Atlantic Fellows, mentorship, coaching, and eligibility for post-fellowship catalytic grants.
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable as it is a one-year fellowship
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be a resident of the United States or South Africa; mid-career professional with at least 7-10 years of experience in racial equity work.
🎓 Academic Level
Non-degree Professional Fellowship
📊 Minimum GPA
Not Applicable
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficient in written and spoken English
🎂 Age Limit
No specific limit; targeted at mid-career professionals
💼 Work Experience
7 to 10 years of significant work in social justice or racial equity
🏆 Leadership
High; applicants must demonstrate a track record of leading social change initiatives.
💰 Financial Need
Not a primary selection criterion; based on leadership and impact
🎯 Target Students
Mid-career leaders, community organizers, and social justice advocates
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Multiple statements on personal narrative, professional goals, and project ideas)
Rec Letters
Yes (Two professional or community references)
Interview
Yes (Finalists undergo a rigorous interview process)
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes (Two professional or community references) Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- Proficient in written and spoken English
- Interview: Yes (Finalists undergo a rigorous interview process)
- Min GPA: Not Applicable
📋 Application Process
Emphasize how your work addresses the root causes of anti-Black racism and how you intend to collaborate across the US-South Africa context.
💡 Insider Tip: Clearly articulate your 'Theory of Change' and how this fellowship specifically helps you scale your impact beyond your current scope.