Center for Community Health Equity Accelerator Fellowship 2027: Up to $10,000 in Project Funding and Leadership Support for Community Health Equity Leaders

Overview

The Center for Community Health Equity Accelerator Fellowship 2027 is a 12-month leadership development program designed for community leaders who want to advance health equity and address social determinants of health. The program runs from January through December 2027, combining education, coaching, technical assistance, peer learning, networking, and financial support.

The fellowship brings together a cohort of eight individuals to help them transform community-focused ideas into practical actions. Sessions are delivered through a combination of in-person meetings across a seven-county metro area and virtual sessions.

Benefits

Up to $10,000 in project funding to help bring the health equity initiative to life.
A $3,000 participation stipend to support costs such as compensation for time, transportation, or childcare.
Structured education in health equity, program development, implementation, and related areas.
Expert coaching and technical assistance throughout the fellowship year.
Networking and peer learning opportunities with a cohort of fellow community leaders.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the 2027 cohort:

Be at least 18 years old.
Apply as an individual rather than an organization.
Have a project idea focused on advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health.
Have related experience, relationships, or community ties to the issue or topic they wish to address.
Plan to implement the project within the designated M Health Fairview service area (covering specified counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin).
Be available to attend all required fellowship sessions.
Not currently be employed by Fairview Health Services.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must complete the online application process before the deadline. Preparing a submission requires compiling the following materials:

Basic personal information.
Narrative responses addressing your health equity vision and leadership journey (or a three-minute video option for leadership).
Additional details regarding the proposed project.
A draft project budget outlining expected expenses up to $10,000 using the program's template.
Two letters of recommendation or support (at least one must come from an affiliated organization if the project is connected to one).

Deadline

The application deadline is Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Overview

Benefits

Up to $10,000 in project funding to help bring the health equity initiative to life.

A $3,000 participation stipend to support costs such as compensation for time, transportation, or childcare.

Structured education in health equity, program development, implementation, and related areas.

Expert coaching and technical assistance throughout the fellowship year.

Networking and peer learning opportunities with a cohort of fellow community leaders.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the 2027 cohort:

Be at least 18 years old.

Apply as an individual rather than an organization.

Have a project idea focused on advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health.

Have related experience, relationships, or community ties to the issue or topic they wish to address.

Plan to implement the project within the designated M Health Fairview service area (covering specified counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin).

Be available to attend all required fellowship sessions.

Not currently be employed by Fairview Health Services.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must complete the online application process before the deadline. Preparing a submission requires compiling the following materials:

Basic personal information.

Narrative responses addressing your health equity vision and leadership journey (or a three-minute video option for leadership).

Additional details regarding the proposed project.

A draft project budget outlining expected expenses up to $10,000 using the program's template.

Two letters of recommendation or support (at least one must come from an affiliated organization if the project is connected to one).