ACT Fellowship Program

# Overview
The ACT Fellowship Program is a full-time, nine-month apprenticeship for early to mid-career professionals who want to work in social impact, impact investing, venture philanthropy, or social entrepreneurship. It is run by ACT, a non-profit venture philanthropy platform applying venture-capital methods to philanthropic grantmaking for technology-led social impact in India.

Fellows work inside one of ACT's four focus areas: ed-tech, public healthcare, climate action, or gender inclusivity. The official page says Fellows work 40 hours per week on sector research, dealflow sourcing, due diligence, investment pitches, portfolio management, impact assessment, collaborative programs, industry events, and partnerships.

# Thesis
ACT backs technology-led innovations that can address India's complex social needs at scale. The Fellowship maps Fellows into education and skilling, public healthcare, climate action, or gender inclusivity, giving them experience applying venture-capital principles to philanthropy.

Applicants should highlight their relevant experience and passion for social impact in their applications. Demonstrating a clear understanding of the fellowship's focus areas will strengthen their candidacy.

# Eligibility
Applicants must be resident Indian citizens, graduates of an accredited university in India or abroad, have at least two years of full-time work experience, and be based in or willing to relocate to Bombay, Delhi, or Bangalore for the program. Founder, strategy consulting, investment banking, impact investing, or social-sector experience is an advantage but not required.

# Admissions
The official process starts with an online application before the stated deadline; shortlisted candidates are invited to a virtual case interview, then an in-person interview with ACT leadership. Selected candidates undergo reference checks before ACT matches them to a vertical.

# Benefits
Fellows receive a stipend of Rs. 60,000 per month and an experience letter from ACT after successful completion. The program is positioned as a fully funded apprenticeship rather than a paid course; no tuition or participation fee was found. The core benefit is hands-on exposure to venture philanthropy: working with ACT teams on research, sourcing, due diligence, investment pitches, portfolio support, impact assessment, collaborative programs, events, and partnerships.

# Timeline
The current page says 2026-27 applications will open in June 2026 and provides a "Register Interest" form. The most recent fully dated cycle found was 2024-25, which Hindustan Times reported had six seats, a September 2024 start, and an August 13, 2024 deadline.

# Success
The fellowship has become a recognized pipeline for talent entering venture philanthropy and social enterprise in India. Many alumni have joined ACT full-time, started social impact ventures, or taken ecosystem leadership roles.