The 2026 call for applications for the Truist Foundation Fellowship, powered by Watson Institute, is now officially open. This fellowship is one of the most transformative leadership and venture development programs for small business owners, social entrepreneurs, and nonprofit founders who are working to uplift underbanked and underserved communities across the United States.
It is a fully funded fellowship, meaning participants do not pay tuition or program fees. Instead, they gain access to mentorship, capital connections, expert workshops, and a powerful alumni network — all supported by the Truist Foundation, an organization dedicated to building economic mobility and stronger local communities.
What the Fellowship Is About?
The Truist Foundation Fellowship 2026 is more than a professional training program; it is a mission-driven experience designed to accelerate both entrepreneurial growth and community impact. The program focuses on entrepreneurs and leaders who have already begun building ventures with proven traction — typically operating between one and five years — and are now ready to expand.
The fellowship’s curriculum integrates technical business skills, leadership development, and practical community-based implementation. Fellows receive guidance from accomplished mentors, collaborate with peers in similar sectors, and get the chance to showcase their ventures before potential investors and partners.
Through workshops, one-on-one sessions, and field-based initiatives, the program equips participants with the ability to build financially sustainable organizations that directly address social challenges such as financial inclusion, small business development, and equitable access to opportunities.
Learning Experience and Program Structure
The Truist Foundation Fellowship 2026 runs for sixteen weeks, from March 4 to June 19, 2026, and follows a blended learning model that includes both virtual sessions and in-person engagements.
The journey begins with an immersive phase between March 4 and 12, 2026, during which Fellows participate in intensive live sessions focusing on entrepreneurial leadership, financial management, and community engagement.
Once the immersive period concludes, participants attend regular online workshops three times a week — every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM (Eastern Time). Fellows are expected to dedicate approximately 8 to 10 hours per week to the program, including workshops, Basecamp planning, and Summit preparation.
Throughout the program, Fellows will also take part in regional networking gatherings, designed to connect participants with other small business leaders, community partners, and mentors in their geographical area.
The fellowship culminates in June 2026 with an In-Person Summit, where participants present their venture pitches to an audience that includes Truist Foundation representatives, potential investors, and thought leaders in entrepreneurship.
What Fellows Will Gain?
Every aspect of the fellowship is carefully structured to provide immediate and long-term benefits for both the participants and their communities.
Fellows will engage in hands-on business and leadership workshops led by experienced entrepreneurs and small business practitioners. These sessions focus on practical areas such as scaling a business, improving financial literacy, managing teams, and leading with purpose.
In addition, each participant is paired with mentors who guide them through growth strategies, investor readiness, and community impact design. The mentorship aspect of the fellowship is deeply personalized, ensuring that each Fellow receives actionable insights relevant to their business model.
One of the program’s most distinctive features is the Basecamp Project. Each Fellow designs and leads a one- to three-day local workshop — known as a Basecamp — that empowers earlier-stage entrepreneurs in their community. The fellowship provides both training and a stipend to support these Basecamp initiatives, ensuring that Fellows not only learn but also give back by nurturing the next wave of innovators.
The fellowship also includes Pitch Development and Presentation Training, helping participants craft professional and compelling narratives around their ventures. These pitches are showcased at the Summit, providing exposure to funders, investors, and potential collaborators.
Eligibility Criteria
The Truist Foundation Fellowship seeks passionate individuals who are already demonstrating impact through their ventures and are eager to scale their influence.
To be eligible, applicants should:
- Be small business owners, nonprofit leaders, or early-stage entrepreneurs focused on solutions for underserved or underbanked communities.
- Have operated their organization for one to five years, with measurable progress and fewer than ten employees.
- Be able to commit fully to the 16-week program, including attendance at all live sessions and the in-person components.
- Be based in the United States, particularly in regions where the Truist Foundation is active — including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Ohio.
- Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
Applicants are expected to show both professional competence and a strong sense of community leadership, as well as the motivation to continue engaging with peers and alumni long after the program ends.
Program Cost and Funding
This fellowship is completely free of cost for selected participants. There are no tuition fees or deposits required, and all learning materials are provided by the organizers.
The program is fully funded by the Truist Foundation, which covers the operational expenses of the fellowship. Participants may be responsible for limited travel or meal expenses during in-person gatherings, but they receive a Community Development Stipend to support their Basecamp activities and local impact projects.
Application Process and Timeline
The application process for the Truist Foundation Fellowship 2026 is designed to be simple yet selective. It ensures that only the most motivated and mission-driven entrepreneurs are chosen.
Interested applicants should begin by filling out the online application form, which takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. It is highly recommended to submit the application by the priority deadline of January 12, 2026. Applications received after that date will still be considered on a rolling basis until all available spots are filled.
After submission, shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 20-minute interview via Zoom. This conversation allows the selection committee to learn more about the applicant’s background, their venture’s social and economic goals, and their vision for growth.
Final decisions will be announced by February 9, 2026, and selected candidates will then confirm their participation to secure their placement in the program, which officially begins on March 4, 2026.
Why This Fellowship Matters?
The Truist Foundation Fellowship stands out because it bridges the gap between community impact and entrepreneurial sustainability. It doesn’t simply teach business management — it equips Fellows to become agents of change who understand the importance of inclusive growth, equitable access, and social innovation.
For entrepreneurs who often feel isolated in their journey, this program offers not only mentorship and funding access but also a strong sense of belonging to a network of like-minded changemakers.
How to Apply?
Applications for the Truist Foundation Fellowship 2026 are now open. All applicants should complete their submissions online through the official Watson Institute portal: https://watson.is/truist-foundation-fellowship/. It is strongly advised to apply before January 12, 2026, for priority consideration.
Application Deadline
The priority application deadline for the Truist Foundation Fellowship 2026 is January 12, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials before this date to receive early consideration, as applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until all available spots are filled.
The final selection results will be officially announced on February 9, 2026, after which selected candidates must confirm their participation to secure their placement in the cohort. The program period will run from March 4 to June 19, 2026, featuring both virtual and in-person components.
The Fellowship will conclude with the In-Person Summit in June 2026, where Fellows will present their final venture pitches and celebrate their achievements alongside mentors, investors, and the Truist Foundation team.