The 2026 Impact Fellowships Summit (IFS) invites global fellowship practitioners to submit session proposals for its 10th-anniversary hybrid event held in Washington, D.C. This milestone summit, themed “A Decade of Connection,” focuses on shaping the future of fellowships through hands-on workshops and peer learning. Selected presenters will contribute to a legacy of social change, with evaluations based on theme relevance, speaker diversity, and participant engagement.
Impact Fellowships Summit 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United States |
| Study Abroad | Study in USA (Washington, D.C.) |
| Category | Fellowship & Leadership Summits |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (Global Eligibility) |
| Reward / Key Criteria | Professional Recognition & Global Networking / Speaker expertise, diversity, and alignment with the IFN mission |
| Application Deadline | April 27, 2026 (Virtual Start) |
Impact Fellowships Summit 2026 Details
The Impact Fellowships Summit (IFS) has officially launched its 2026 Call for Proposals, marking ten years of bringing together the world’s most influential fellowship designers and practitioners. This flagship convening serves as a critical bridge between sectors, fostering an international community dedicated to high-level leadership development and sustainable social impact.
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Designed as a highly interactive experience, the 2026 Summit will operate as a hybrid event, combining virtual global engagement with intensive in-person sessions in Washington, D.C. The summit is not merely a conference but a collaborative laboratory where participants co-create innovative strategies to strengthen the global fellowship ecosystem for the next decade.
Scholarship Details
The IFS 2026 program is open to a broad spectrum of applicants, including fellowship managers, practitioners, and ecosystem partners from both domestic and international backgrounds. Its core philosophy revolves around “Shaping the Future Vision of Fellowships Together,” emphasizing inclusive leadership and the amplification of collective impact across geographic divides.
Benefits and Specific Fellowship Awards of the Impact Fellowships Summit 2026
Tier 1: Global Leadership & Legacy Presentation
- Keynote & Plenary Roles: Selected high-impact proposals may be featured in hybrid plenary sessions, reaching a global audience of thousands.
- Legacy Contributor Status: Presenters become part of the 10th-anniversary archival record, contributing to a decade-long body of knowledge.
Tier 2: Specialized Workshop Facilitation
- Expert Networking: Facilitators gain direct access to the IFS Steering Committee and a network of international practitioners for future partnerships.
- Knowledge Exchange: Opportunity to share specific tools and strategies that drive program effectiveness.
Tier 3: Peer-Led Learning & Dialogue
- Community Building: Peer-led sessions foster intimate networking and relationship-building across sectors.
- Professional Development: Presenters receive certificates of recognition and visibility on all official IFS digital platforms.
Eligibility Requirements for Impact Fellowships Summit 2026
- Expertise & Diversity: Applicants must demonstrate expertise (broadly defined) and provide a perspective that includes diverse lived or professional experiences.
- Mission Alignment: Proposals must align with the Impact Fellowships Network (IFN) values of social impact and evidence-based learning.
- Engagement Design: Sessions must be designed for active participation, utilizing workshops or dialogues rather than passive lectures.
- Language Proficiency: All sessions and proposals must be conducted in English, the working language of the Summit.
How to Apply for Impact Fellowships Summit 2026 (Step by Step)
- Prepare Proposal: Draft a session outline focusing on the 2026 theme: “A Decade of Connection.”
- Submit Online: Complete the digital application form, ensuring all speaker backgrounds and learning outcomes are detailed.
- Steering Committee Review: All proposals undergo a rigorous evaluation based on relevance, quality of design, and audience engagement.
- Notification of Selection: Selected presenters will be notified and provided with logistical support for either virtual or in-person delivery.
Application Deadline: April 27, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main theme for the IFS 2026?
The theme is “A Decade of Connection: Shaping the Future Vision of Fellowships Together,” focusing on the evolution of fellowship programs over the next ten years.
2. Is the 2026 Summit an in-person or virtual event?
It is a hybrid event. The first two days (April 27-28) are virtual, while the final two days (April 29-30) take place in-person in Washington, D.C.
3. Who is eligible to submit a proposal?
Fellowship leaders, designers, practitioners, and partners from any sector or geography are invited to contribute.
4. What is the time limit for virtual sessions?
To maintain high engagement, it is recommended that virtual sessions are kept to 60 minutes or less.
5. What are the evaluation criteria for proposals?
Proposals are evaluated on theme relevance, speaker expertise and diversity, quality of presentation design, and audience engagement plans.
6. Are there specific language requirements?
The working language is English. While English captioning and ASL will be provided, additional translation services are currently unavailable.
7. Does “expertise” only refer to academic qualifications?
No. IFS applies a broad definition of expertise, welcoming innovators and practitioners at all career levels who bring unique lived experiences.
8. Will plenary sessions be accessible to those not in Washington, D.C.?
Yes, plenary sessions held during the in-person days in Washington will be made available virtually for broader access.
9. What formats are encouraged for sessions?
The summit prioritizes hands-on workshops, peer-led learning sessions, and collaborative dialogues over traditional presentations.
10. How can I contact the organizing team for questions?
Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the IFS organizing team directly through the official website for any specific clarifications.
