Hey there, changemakers! Are you a U.S. professional looking to make a global impact and collaborate with incredible African leaders? Or perhaps an African leader who’s been part of the Mandela Washington Fellowship and wants to deepen your impact?
We’re talking about the **Mandela Washington Fellowship 2026 Reciprocal Exchange Component** – a unique opportunity designed to build lasting partnerships and drive change. While we’re calling it a “bursary” for simplicity on Bursaries Room, think of it more as a grant program that empowers U.S. professionals to work hand-in-hand with Fellowship Alumni across Sub-Saharan Africa. It’s all about taking those connections made during the Fellowship and turning them into real, on-the-ground projects!
Who Can Apply?
This “Reciprocal Exchange Bursary” has two main groups involved:
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U.S. Professionals: You must be a U.S. citizen currently living in the United States. You can’t be an employee or immediate family member of employees of the U.S. Government (including a U.S. Embassy or other U.S. Government entity). If you’ve engaged with the Fellowship through networking, the Summit, Professional Development Experiences, or other activities, this is for you! You can complete a maximum of two in-person Reciprocal Exchange projects.
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Fellowship Alumni Collaborators: You must be considered an Alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship in good standing by the U.S. Department of State. You also can’t be an employee or immediate family member of U.S. Government employees. Importantly, you must reside in the proposed project country (within Sub-Saharan Africa) and be available for the entire duration of the project’s implementation.
Eligible applications will be reviewed based on several factors: the project’s impact on the Fellowship Alumni Collaborator’s home organization, community, and/or country; its benefit to U.S. companies, communities, or organizations; and clear evidence of joint engagement in the project’s design and implementation. Reviewers also look for a clear, realistic plan, measurable goals, and demonstrated continued impact of the project after implementation.
What Does It Cover?
This program provides financial support to help you make your collaborative project a reality:
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Hybrid Projects: You could receive grants of up to $3,000 per selected project to support a blend of in-person and virtual activities.
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In-Person Projects: For projects requiring travel, grants of up to $5,000 per selected Participant (up to four U.S. Participants) are available. These funds cover travel to Sub-Saharan Africa and other program-related costs during the grant period.
Projects are designed to be short-term, lasting no longer than four weeks, with the goal of directly benefiting individuals in the project country. Both U.S. Participants and Fellowship Alumni will expand their professional networks, gain new opportunities, and build new knowledge or skills throughout the project.
How to Apply?
Ready to team up and create something amazing? The application process involves detailing your proposed project and collaboration with a Fellowship Alumni. Ensure your application clearly shows how you and your Alumni collaborator will jointly engage in the project design and implementation.
The deadline to apply is coming up fast!
For more detailed information and to submit your application, make sure to visit the official webpage:
If this unique opportunity to collaborate and drive change sounds like your next big adventure, don’t wait – apply now and explore more amazing grants and fellowships on Bursaries Room!
