Fulcrum Fellowship 2026 | Leadership Fellowship for Community Investment Leaders

Overview

The Fulcrum Fellowship is a 13-month leadership development programme organised by the Center for Community Investment (CCI). It is designed for experienced professionals working to enhance community investment, capital, policy, and practice, with an emphasis on small- and mid-size cities and communities across the South. The programme includes collaborative problem-solving, personalised coaching, systems-thinking exercises, peer networking, and five multi-day in-person seminars held in Berkeley, California.

Benefits

Participants and their organisations gain access to a comprehensive professional development experience:

Collaborative problem-solving and group learning sessions
Personalised leadership coaching and monthly virtual coaching sessions
Five multi-day in-person seminars in Berkeley, California
Opportunities to apply CCI's Capital Absorption Framework
Engagement with a diverse network of peers, faculty, and alumni
Strategies for moving capital toward community-defined priorities and advancing racial equity

Eligibility

Applicants must be established leaders with significant responsibility and authority within their organisations. Eligible candidates generally meet the following criteria:

Possess 10 to 15 years of professional experience in focus fields such as housing and community development, climate resilience, finance, philanthropy, shared ownership, or creative placemaking
Lead strategic work that carries meaningful importance to their organisation, community, or field
Demonstrate a commitment to advancing racial equity through tangible results or sustained efforts
Show willingness to develop leadership self-awareness, participate in peer learning, and rethink existing strategies
Secure written endorsement from their organisation and commit to the full 13-month duration

How to Apply

Eligible candidates should review the programme guidelines, confirm alignment with the requirements, discuss the commitment with their organisation, and secure the necessary organisational endorsement before submitting their application online.

Deadline

Applications close on October 15, 2026.

Overview

Benefits

Participants and their organisations gain access to a comprehensive professional development experience:

Collaborative problem-solving and group learning sessions

Personalised leadership coaching and monthly virtual coaching sessions

Five multi-day in-person seminars in Berkeley, California

Opportunities to apply CCI's Capital Absorption Framework

Engagement with a diverse network of peers, faculty, and alumni

Strategies for moving capital toward community-defined priorities and advancing racial equity

Eligibility

Applicants must be established leaders with significant responsibility and authority within their organisations. Eligible candidates generally meet the following criteria:

Possess 10 to 15 years of professional experience in focus fields such as housing and community development, climate resilience, finance, philanthropy, shared ownership, or creative placemaking

Lead strategic work that carries meaningful importance to their organisation, community, or field

Demonstrate a commitment to advancing racial equity through tangible results or sustained efforts

Show willingness to develop leadership self-awareness, participate in peer learning, and rethink existing strategies

Secure written endorsement from their organisation and commit to the full 13-month duration