AIF Banyan Impact Fellowship 2026–27: Fully Funded Program

AIF Banyan Impact Fellowship 2026–27 (Fully Funded, India & USA): Apply Now

The AIF Banyan Impact Fellowship (BIF) 2026–27 is a prestigious, fully funded leadership and development fellowship by the American India Foundation (AIF). This 10-month program, running from September 2026 to June 2027, places young professionals from India and the United States with grassroots organizations across India to drive meaningful social change.

Since its launch in 2001, the fellowship has supported 617 Fellows and 289 partner organizations, building a strong pipeline of socially committed leaders working across education, health, livelihoods, and climate action.

About the AIF Banyan Impact Fellowship

The Banyan Impact Fellowship is designed for young professionals who want hands-on experience in the development sector while strengthening U.S.–India collaboration. Fellows work directly with implementation organizations, contributing their skills to ongoing programs while also helping design and scale new initiatives.

All projects align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and focus on solving real challenges faced by underserved communities in India.

Fellowship Benefits

The AIF Banyan Impact Fellowship is fully funded, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit participation. Selected Fellows receive a monthly stipend, travel support, health insurance, and other essential benefits.

In addition to fieldwork, Fellows participate in leadership workshops, professional development conferences, and structured learning sessions. After completing the program, Fellows become part of a lifelong global alumni network of development professionals and social impact leaders.

Program Duration

The fellowship runs from 1 September 2026 to 30 June 2027, covering a total period of 10 months. Fellows are required to serve on the ground in India for the full duration of the program.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to young professionals aged 21 to 35 years from India and the United States.

Applicants must be Indian citizens, U.S. citizens, or U.S. permanent residents and must have completed at least a Bachelor’s degree before the program begins. Prior experience in the development sector is valued, but equally important is a strong willingness to learn and work closely with communities.

Applicants must be comfortable adapting to local environments and should be open to learning a local Indian language if required by the project.

Applications must be submitted through the official portal: https://aiffellowship.smapply.io/

What Do AIF Fellows Do?

AIF Fellows are placed with partner organizations working directly with communities across India. Fellows contribute through research, program design, monitoring, capacity building, and strategic planning, depending on the host organization’s needs.

Beyond technical work, Fellows play an important role in strengthening cross-cultural understanding and building long-term collaboration between India and the U.S.

Host Organizations

Host organizations are non-political, non-religious Indian NGOs working directly with beneficiaries. All host organizations must have a registered office in India and hold an active FCRA certification or exemption.

Organizations go through a rigorous selection process to ensure that fellowship projects are impactful, sustainable, and scalable beyond the fellowship period. Since 2018, nearly half of all fellowships have been in rural areas, and AIF continues to encourage rural-focused projects.

Application Process

• Applications must be submitted through the official portal: https://aiffellowship.smapply.io/
• Applicants are advised to review the official FAQ page before applying: https://aif.org/fellowship/faq/
• For unresolved queries or application support, applicants may contact: fellowship@aif.org

Why You Should Apply

The AIF Banyan Impact Fellowship is ideal for young professionals who want to move beyond theory and work directly with communities, gain leadership experience, and contribute to India’s development journey. With full funding, structured mentorship, and a powerful alumni network, this fellowship offers a strong foundation for a long-term career in social impact.