Dalai Lama Fellows | Leaders of Today

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About this opportunity

We are seeking 15-20 changemakers from around the world for the 2026 Dalai Lama Fellows program. For most of the fellowship, Fellows participate remotely. They work on their compassion-in-action projects while engaging with DLF’s online leadership curriculum and receiving virtual coaching and mentorship. At the beginning and end of the fellowship year, Fellows gather for a week-long Contemplative Leadership Assembly in the United States. More details on each component of the fellowship follow

Who can apply

Age requirements: 20-36 years old as of April 1, 2026
Fluency in written and spoken English
Current engagement with or well-articulated plans for a social change project and sustained engagement with the project throughout the fellowship year (NOTE: due to the difficulty of launching a social innovation project from scratch, we give preference to applicants who have ongoing projects, but each year we have selected Fellows who have a concrete vision for a project and plans to launch during the fellowship year, given they have the adequate expertise, resources, and community connections at the time of applying)
In-depth knowledge of the community and the issue that the project is seeking to address, preferably with at least one year of previous experience working with the community
Interest in learning and engaging in contemplative practices throughout the year
Commitment to participating in all dimensions of the program, including online learning platform, 1-on-1 coaching calls, group learning calls, etc. (We estimate full participation in the fellowship requires about 12 hours per month, not including Fellows’ work on their projects)
Attendance at the Contemplative Leadership Assembly in May 2026 (DLF will cover all costs for travel, lodging, and meals for the Assembly

About this opportunity

Who can apply

Age requirements: 20-36 years old as of April 1, 2026
Fluency in written and spoken English
Current engagement with or well-articulated plans for a social change project and sustained engagement with the project throughout the fellowship year (NOTE: due to the difficulty of launching a social innovation project from scratch, we give preference to applicants who have ongoing projects, but each year we have selected Fellows who have a concrete vision for a project and plans to launch during the fellowship year, given they have the adequate expertise, resources, and community connections at the time of applying)
In-depth knowledge of the community and the issue that the project is seeking to address, preferably with at least one year of previous experience working with the community
Interest in learning and engaging in contemplative practices throughout the year
Commitment to participating in all dimensions of the program, including online learning platform, 1-on-1 coaching calls, group learning calls, etc. (We estimate full participation in the fellowship requires about 12 hours per month, not including Fellows’ work on their projects)
Attendance at the Contemplative Leadership Assembly in May 2026 (DLF will cover all costs for travel, lodging, and meals for the Assembly