Shuttleworth Foundation’s Fellowship Program 2011 in South Africa

 Who Can Apply?

• Anyone who has a plan for social change through innovation (fresh thinking that adds value) in the areas of education and technology.
• Anyone who has a clear vision of a changed (improved) world and their contribution to bringing about this change.
• The fellowship is not limited to any specific geographic location. However, applicants must be fluent in English.
• Fellowship applicants must have attained the age of majority by the date of application.

Which topics/disciplines

The Foundation does not have strictly defined areas of funding as we have found this restrictive as people do not always fit into boxes.
Previous successful application have come from individuals working in the following areas:

• Communication and Analytical Skills in Education
• Intellectual Property Rights
• Open and Collaborative Educational Resources
• Telecommunications
• Open Philanthropy
• Open Science

The fellowship is not an academic fellowship aimed at research, although research is not excluded. Preference will be given to action based research or practical implementations of innovative ideas.

Why apply

This fellowship offers you the freedom and financial ability to bring about the change you envisage for the world as well as an enabling support structure and an existing network of social change agents.
We will provide technological, financial, and legal support, enabling all administrative processes such as contracting with 3rd parties, done in an efficient and risk free manner. We will also work to support you by connecting you with our network of projects, funders and institutions where we think you can offer value.
The Foundation will support the Fellow to take their good ideas and turn them into successful initiatives. You will also be part of a continually growing pool of established alumni network to share learnings and experiences.

What is the value of the grant

The equivalent of a year’s salary, a contribution towards expenses plus access to a travel allowance. In addition, the fellow will have access to potential project funding from the Foundation, who will match the Fellow’s personal investment in projects by at least ten fold. The total grant amount will be based on the Fellow’s qualifications, experience and comparable cost of time for their skill level.

What is the duration

1 year, with the possibility of renewal, based on review.

How to apply

• Send us your CV (no more than 3 pages)
• Send us a 5 minute video on your ideas
• Answer the 4 questions below (no more than 2 pages)
  • Describe the world as it is. (a description of the status quo and context in which you will be working)
  • What change do you want to make? (a description of what you want to change about the status quo, in the world, your personal vision for this area)
  • What do you want to explore? (a description of the innovations or questions you would like to explore during the fellowship year)
  • What are you going to do to get there? (a description of what you actually plan to do during the year)

Where is the fellowship based

Fellows work from where they are, with an open door to visit the Foundation’s head office in Cape Town, South Africa.

What are the conditions

Fellows are expected to commit 100% of their time and attention to the focus area selected for their fellowship. The fellowship aims to free up the time of the Fellow to pursue their ideas in this area. The Fellow must submit any outside work, volunteer or otherwise, that they may want to conduct whilst on a Foundation Fellowship, to the Foundation for approval.
We require attendance at the bi-annual Fellow gatherings and open accurate communication on all projects, movements and decisions.
The fellowship must be taken up between 2 and 4 months after awarded.

How are the Fellows selected

Fellowship applications are reviewed by the Shuttleworth Foundation management team and advisors. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews. The Foundation reserves the right not to award a fellowship if the submission does not meet the requirements.

Application timing

Applications are accepted throughout the year.  We formally review applications in May for a September intake and November for a March intake. Please make sure you contact us before the deadlines and submit your full application before the 1st May and the 1st November.

If you have specific questions about this process, or you would like to apply, please email: fellowships@shuttleworthfoundation.org

Further Scholarship Information and Application