Deadline:
As soon as possible
Location(s)
Afghanistan Bahrain Egypt Iran Iraq Israel Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Oman Palestinian Authority Qatar Saudi Arabia Syria Turkey United Arab Emirates Yemen
Overview
Blossom Hill seeks passionate, committed individuals with innovative ideas about how to improve the lives of war-affected children from the Middle East.
We are looking for ambitious candidates who:
- Demonstrate an ability to succeed and commitment to social change
- Present bold, innovative and viable approaches that address an authentic need and have potential for exponential impact
- Are accessible, responsive, articulate, proactive, and take initiative to further expand their reach
Details
Blossom Hill believes in the importance of engaging and empowering war-affected children from the Middle East.1 We introduced our Social Entrepreneur Fellowship Program for this singular purpose: to encourage individuals to develop innovative and solution-focused initiatives that create opportunity for conflict-affected children and help to break the cycle of violence that plagues their communities.
Through the Fellowship Program, Blossom Hill is investing in the next generation of leaders who will play a pivotal role in the reconstruction and advancement of their own communities. At best, these solutions are informed and spearheaded by those who understand the situation intimately – individuals who hail from the region or are deeply connected to the Middle East and comprehend the multi-generational impact of war.
The Fellowship
Blossom Hill offers fellowships to social entrepreneurs who have developed an innovative approach, program, or product that positively impacts war-affected Middle Eastern communities, either in-country or displaced due to conflict. The application process includes a comprehensive vetting, not limited to 1) a thorough review of the proposed idea and work plan; 2) submission and approval of the Year I budget; and 3) an in-depth interview with all final candidates. All candidates are also required to submit two (2) written letters of recommendation, a headshot, and a two-minute pitch video.
Our Model
Each application is vetted by the Blossom Hill staff and its Board of Directors, as well as external experts, when necessary. Our process is guided by criteria developed to identify the most promising ideas for positive social change. We look for Fellows with personal integrity, a deep commitment to the cause they propose, and an idea for an approach, program or product that has the potential for profound community impact. Ideas can integrate various disciplines including education, health, environment, business, science, technology, art and others to respond to humanitarian needs. While some NGOs may wish to nominate candidates, all applicants must be deemed to be of high caliber, and have secured a reputable registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization to serve as the Fellow’s fiscal sponsor.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Overview of Candidates
Strong CANDIDATES possess two core values:
Personal Integrity – a potential fellow…
- Is empathetic and compassionate toward others
- Has leadership experience or potential (passionate, trained, loyal, dedicated)
- Has confronted adverse circumstances and demonstrated resilience
- Shows a sense of purpose for the common good
Commitment to Social Change – a potential fellow…
- Has a proven track record of genuine commitment to the cause he/she proposes and/or other social causes (work, study and/or personal experience with the proposed plan and/or community)
- Shows interest in changing the status quo and/or is knowledgeable of those who have done so, serving as models and inspiration
- Has a collaborative spirit in order to broaden reach, particularly by involving those in need and aiming to empower them
Strong IDEAS show three key characteristics:
Demonstrated Need – a strong idea…
- Articulates an authentic need that if addressed can make positive change in the community
- Shows clear evidence of the need and likelihood for success of the proposed approach based on knowledge of the community
Innovation – a strong idea…
- Is creative and bold, presenting a novel approach to a social problem serving a population in need
- Employs critical thinking and in-depth analysis to alleviate social need
- Recognizes the appropriate tools for community outreach, awareness, education, and action
Impact – a strong idea…
- Is a thoughtful plan with specific, measurable, realistic goals and benchmarks
- Welcomes input and feedback in order to refine and improve the approach
- Aims to continue, expand or replicate what is proven effective
Overview of Proposal
Blossom Hill Fellowships are awarded for the pursuit of one of three types of innovative projects: a novel project, sustainable program or impactful product. Based on performance, fellowships may be renewed on a yearly basis.
Example: Syrian refugee children are at risk of falling behind in their education due to displacement and lack of access to schools or informal education. Their literacy skills – the ability to read and understand what they are reading – is critical to their future. Create a mobile app that boosts their literacy skills independent of teacher supervision.
Dates
Deadline: As soon as possible
Cost/funding for participants
This is a highly competitive program. Award payments are made in two installments; the first payment is made after the initial proposal has been approved, and the second payment is made after three (3) months of implementation, contingent upon approval by the Fellow’s assigned “thought partner.” A Blossom Hill “thought partner,” who provides regular check-ins with the Fellow to advise and provide feedback on project management, supports each of our Fellows. Blossom Hills aims to further support our Fellows by connecting them to experts in the field and to each other, and by conducting site visits to support their initiatives firsthand wherever possible. Fellows are also featured prominently on the Blossom Hill website and through our global social media networks to highlight their work in the field.
Fellowships are up to $50,000 a year and are renewable on a yearly basis depending on assessment and evaluation of the project’s impact. Fellows who demonstrate significant impact in the community and who comply with Blossom Hill’s requirements may be eligible to re-apply at nine (9) months for additional funding the following year.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
