AIF Banyan Impact Fellowship

Description

The American India Foundation's Banyan Impact Fellowship (BIF) is a fully funded, 10-month program (September–June) that places young professionals from the U.S. and India with communities and organizations for mutual learning, capacity building, and leadership development—all towards the greater aim of driving social change. Since 2001, AIF has selected, trained, and supported 617 Fellows and 289 partner organizations to scale impact, catalyze change, and build the next generation of socially-minded change makers.

As a Fellow, you’ll work on meaningful projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, addressing issues such as education, public health, livelihoods, and climate action.

Benefits

• Fully funded Fellowship: includes stipend, travel expenses, health insurance, and visa-related expenses
• Hands-on experience with organizations tackling real-world challenges
• Leadership and professional development through workshops and conferences
• Lifelong connection to a global alumni network of development professionals
   

Eligibility

Interested prospective applicants should carefully read the eligibility requirements on the American India Foundation's Banyan Impact Fellowship website.

Selection Criteria

• Applicants must be either U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, or Indian Citizens.
• Applicants must be young professionals between the ages of 21-35 by the program start.
• Applicants must have completed at least a Bachelor's or other undergraduate degree before the program starts.
• Applicants must be willing and able to serve on the ground in India for the full duration of the program.
• Applicants must bring both skills and experience, as well as an eagerness to learn with host communities on the ground.
• Applicants must be willing to learn a local language if required for the project.
• Applicants must be committed to enriching learning opportunities for the fellowship community and positively contribute to building U.S.-India bridges of understanding and partnership during their time of service and after.