Eligibility

At ISDM, we’re seeking passionate individuals and teams committed to creating innovative, sustainable solutions for social change. If you’re applying as a Fellow, you’ll need to bring along a Mentor—an experienced professional who can guide and support you through your journey. Join our vibrant community by applying as a Fellow with your Mentor.

  1. Open exclusively to residents of India.
  2. Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to ISDM’s mission, values, and the Fellowship’s thematic focus for the year.

  1. The Fellowship is open to both individuals and teams
  2. An individual applicant should possess expertise in both the thematic area and the social sector.
  3. Team applicants should have at least one member with thematic experience and one with experience in the social sector. Additional members may contribute with supporting skills (such as tech, finance, or communication).
  4. All applicants, whether individual or team, must have a Mentor as part of their team. (Please review our Mentor Eligibility Criteria before selecting your mentor).

  1. Applicants should have at least 7 years of relevant professional experience.
  2. Must have a proven track record in their area of focus, supported by documented evidence of past work.
  3. Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

  1. Fellows must be willing and able to dedicate 15–20 hours per week to the Fellowship.
  2. Projects involving Digital Open Solutions (DOS) may require a minimum of 30-40 hours per week, depending on the chosen approach and solution.

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  1. Engage in monthly mentoring and progress check-in calls with the Fellow/Fellow team, along with quarterly review meetings.
  2. Mandatory attendance at orientation and showcase events (in-person/virtual as required)
  3. Adhere to ISDM’s reporting requirements, including progress updates and feedback forms, and formally sign off on all deliverables for each milestone.

  1. A minimum of 10+ years of demonstrated expertise in the relevant thematic area - Data Science, Innovative Finance, Philanthropy - or a closely related field aligned with the applicant's proposal
  2. A proven track record of impactful work, thought leadership, or innovation within their domain.
  3. Prior experience in mentoring/coaching in the social sector or development programs.

  1. Mentors must be willing to dedicate at least 20 hours over the Fellowship period.
  2. Maintain strict confidentiality and ethical standards in all interactions.

Note: Mentors participate on a pro bono basis; no separate fees or stipends are provided. Project stipends will be disbursed directly to the team’s SPOC, who will have the discretion to allocate the amount accordingly..

 

Fellowship Journey: What to Expect

As an ISDM Fellow, you’ll be part of a dynamic, supportive ecosystem designed to help you grow and make a meaningful impact.

Here’s what your engagement will look like:

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Regular Check-ins & Reviews

Stay on track with monthly mentor meetings, milestone reviews with the project team, and informal updates with ISDM leads.

Workshops & Learning

Attend two mandatory workshops to deepen your skills and expand your perspective.

 
 
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Community & Networking

Join peer learning sessions, connect through networking events, and engage in regular catch-ups with the broader ISDM community.

Showcasing & Visibility

Share your final work at showcase events, get featured on ISDM’s website, and be part of our social media stories, maximising the reach of your impactful solutions.

 
 
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