Call for Applications –
AIF Banyan Impact Fellowship
Organisation Name:
American India Foundation
Application Deadline:
15 February 2025
About Organisation
The American India Foundation (AIF) is dedicated to driving social and economic change in India while fostering strong ties between the U.S. and India. Established in 2001 in response to the Gujarat earthquake, AIF has impacted 18.88 million lives through initiatives in education, health, and livelihoods. The foundation collaborates with local communities, NGOs, and government agencies to develop and scale innovative solutions addressing poverty. AIF’s mission emphasizes empowering women, children, and youth through sustainable interventions that create lasting change. Headquartered in Delhi NCR, with offices in New York and California and twelve U.S. chapters, AIF operates across 35 Indian states and Union Territories, ensuring regional and national impact. The organization is committed to fostering leadership and social change through partnerships, capacity-building, and grassroots development efforts.
About the Grant
The AIF Banyan Impact Fellowship is an interdisciplinary experiential learning program designed to connect young professionals from India and the U.S. with development organizations in India. The program aims to foster leadership, cross-cultural partnerships, and capacity-building to drive social impact. Selected fellows work on grassroots initiatives, gaining hands-on experience in community development and inclusive leadership. Fellows receive mentorship, a living stipend, health insurance, and professional development opportunities. Additionally, AIF collaborates with Atlas Corps to provide virtual leadership training, focusing on self-development, mentoring, and leading change. This five-month online component includes keynote sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. The fellowship program enhances leadership skills while promoting U.S.-India collaboration through structured learning and hands-on service.
Who can Apply?
The fellowship is open to young professionals from India and the U.S. who meet the following criteria:
- Must be an Indian citizen, U.S. citizen, or U.S. permanent resident.
- Must be between 21 and 35 years of age at the program start date.
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent before the program begins.
- Must be willing to serve full-time in India for the entire program duration.
- Should have relevant skills, experience, and a willingness to engage with grassroots communities.
- Must be open to learning a local language if required for the assigned project.
- Should demonstrate a commitment to fostering cross-cultural collaboration and social impact.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants must submit a written application, followed by an interview. Successful candidates will be matched with partner organizations based on their skills and project requirements.
Application Deadline
Last Date to Apply
Applications will be accepted until the final deadline, which will be officially communicated by the foundation.
Grant Amount
The fellowship provides a living stipend, health insurance, mentorship, and professional development resources to support fellows throughout their service.
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
