Phoenix Fund Fellowship Program

The New World Foundation is home to the Phoenix Fund and Fellowship Program. The Foundation has committed to establishing a Fellowship Program that serves as a bridge between students on HBCU campuses & organizations on the ground in cities and states where meaningful organizing and advocacy work is taking place.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders and Organizers

Rooted in a long tradition of advancing ever-compelling challenges to economic equity, democratic rights, and civic participation in the United States, the New World Foundation is committed to strengthening community-based organizations and local leadership. As a national community foundation based in New York City, we work from the bottom up to build coalitions around issues that converge in place, creating alliances locally and building movements nationally: the essential ingredients of a working democracy.

We believe in targeting issues where they converge “in place,” support organizations at the grassroots with a nimble and flexible on-the-ground approach to build local bases and national movement capacity. We value the essential truth that the people who suffer injustice are crucial to overcoming it, and invest in people who come from — and can most effectively represent — their local communities of need to build strong alliances and identify key opportunities for change. We affirm the efficacy of long-term vision by giving sustained support to advocacy and organizing with an openness to test and incubate programs over time that produce transformational results.

The New World Foundation and Phoenix Fund Fellowship for rising college juniors and seniors offers an opportunity to learn about labor, community organizing, movement building, civic engagement, and gives fellows insight and experience in the day-to-day efforts that go into organizing with partner non-profit organizations on a macro level.

Meet Some of Our Previous Fellows:

Marquise N.

Paul Quinn College

2023 - 2024 Fellow

Workers Defense Project

“This experience not only broadened my perspective on social issues but also instilled a commitment to continue working towards a more equitable and inclusive society.”

Jaiden H.

Florida A&M University

2023 - 2024 Fellow

ReThink Energy

“This opportunity immersed me in the world of renewable energy advocacy and education.”

Rachel C.

Clark Atlanta University

2022 - 2023 Fellow

Georgia Stand-Up

“I learned how to collaborate with community members in order to get out the vote and achieve a better outcome for Georgia.”

Joel P.

Clark Atlanta University

2022 - 2023 Fellow

New Orleans Workers’ Center for Racial Justice (NOWCRJ)

“I am now more aware of how minority groups are disenfranchised and specifically how hurricane Katrina really affected the New Orleans community.”

What We Are Looking For

  • Rising Junior and Senior applicants.

    Deep commitment to social justice and an eagerness to learn more about the efforts undertaken by cutting-edge organizations around the US and in their community.

    Interest and commitment to equity and justice across differences including, but not limited to, racial, gender & economic justice issues.

  • Ability and desire to engage in personal reflection and a specific focus on personal and professional development, both individually and within a team setting.

  • Have a willing and open minded attitude toward learning about new things and people in order to expand thinking.

    Communication and networking skills when working with host organization, community members and other fellows.

About the Fellowship

The New World Foundation Fellow offers students an opportunity to learn about labor, community organizing, movement building, civic engagement, and gives fellows insight and experience in the day-to-day efforts that go into organizing with partner non-profit organizations on a macro level.  The Fellowship is for rising college juniors and seniors looking for a vibrant, on-the-ground experience with a local host organization in their state.

Fellows will not work directly with The New World Foundation, however, The New World Foundation will have a set of partner host organizations with whom selected Fellows will be matched with. Fellows will be matched based on their prior experiences in civic and community engagement and their current studies at their institution. Fellows will work remotely, hybrid, or in-person and assist their host organization with significant campaigns and their day-to-day activities, as well as pursue areas of interest that align with their career/educational progression mutually agreed upon by the fellow and the host organization.

Deadline to Apply:

Applications are now closed

Program Benefits:

Funding: Fellows will receive a $10,000 stipend.

Placement: Matched with a partner host organization. Work with the host organization will be in-person, hybrid or remote. Host organizations will provide the local knowledge and background on community and state-level issues.

Exposure: Exposure to other community-based organizations and deeper understanding of the systems set in place to do the necessary work.

Cohort Opportunities: Peer support through the Fellowship cohort, and opportunity to meet students with interests that align.