Stanton Fellowship 2026: $100K for LA Leaders to Solve Big Issues

The Stanton Fellowship 2026 offers a rare chance for leaders in Los Angeles County to step back from daily work and tackle big problems with fresh ideas. This program from the Durfee Foundation gives selected leaders time and money to explore solutions for tough issues in the area. If you have years of experience making change in your community, this could be your path to deeper impact.

What Is the Stanton Fellowship?

The Stanton Fellowship supports up to six leaders each year. It provides $100,000 over two years to study a key question that could improve life in Los Angeles County. The goal is to spark new thinking and teamwork across different fields, like nonprofits, government, arts, and social ventures.

Fellows use the funds in flexible ways. They can pay for travel, meetings, research help, or conference fees. The program pushes leaders to try open-ended projects instead of fixed plans, creating space for real breakthroughs.

Key Dates for the 2026 Cycle

Mark these dates on your calendar to stay on track:

• Application opens: April 1
• Application deadline: June 24
• Site visits: August 4-27
• Award notifications: Early September
• In-person orientation: January 2027

For questions, email [email protected].

What the Fellowship Experience Looks Like

Fellows join a group of diverse peers from various sectors. They share ideas and learn from each other through set activities. These include three overnight retreats, six full-day meetings, and at least three months of focused project time over two years. Each project block must last at least two weeks.

Fellows also share what they learn with their networks and the public. This builds stronger ties and spreads new approaches across Los Angeles.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Rules

You must meet these basics to qualify:

• Live in Los Angeles County.
• Work for an organization based and active in Los Angeles County.
• Have 10 or more years of leadership in nonprofits, government, arts, social movements, or social business.
• Hold a role where you can sway peers, leaders, or the public.
• Offer a clear “big question” to explore over two years.
• Show you need the money for your project (it adds to your income).
• Commit to all events and time needs.
• Avoid current school or group funding for similar work.
• Not have taken a Durfee Sabbatical in the last five years.

The Durfee Foundation welcomes applications from groups serving Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, and low-income communities.

How Applications Get Reviewed

Judges look at three main parts.

The Candidate

They check if you are a known leader with strong sway on your topic. You need to show openness to new tests, networks to share results, and time to step away from routine work. Joining the group actively matters too.

The Inquiry

Your project idea must tackle a major Los Angeles issue. It should be original, doable in two years, and smart about time and money.

Timing

Explain why now is right for you. Show career stability and why the question feels urgent.

Program Goals and Lasting Impact

This fellowship lets leaders dig into key problems. It creates a network of thinkers from different areas. In the end, it aims to shape systems and help communities through new insights and links.

Steps to Apply

Build a strong proposal about your question and plans. Submit by June 24 through the official site. Use this link to start: APPLY HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions