CALL FOR KINDNESS FELLOWSHIP
Your idea could change everything.
The Call For Kindness Fellowship supports young leaders with funding, mentorship, and a year of growth.
$5K
in project funding
1 year
of mentorship & growth
WHAT IS THE CALL FOR KINDNESS?
A Fellowship built around you.
The Call For Kindness (C4K) Fellowship is a year-long program for young people, ages 13–23, who want to lead projects that make their schools, neighborhoods, and communities kinder. Fellows receive up to $5,000 in funding, a full year of leadership development, expert mentorship, and a national community of young changemakers.
Whether your project is a brand-new idea or something you've already started building, the Fellowship helps you grow it, and grow with it.
PROJECT TOPICS
Mental Health & Wellness
Education Access
Civic Engagement
Environment
and more
Meet this year's Fellows
78 young leaders are turning kindness-driven ideas into community-changing work this year. Here's who's leading.
WHY APPLY?
Your idea deserves to grow.
You don't need a résumé or a polished plan. You just need an idea you care about and the courage to act on it.
Funding that backs you
Up to $5,000 in funding to launch or expand your project. No complicated requirements.
Mentorship and support
A national network of peers and mentors who believe in your growth.
A full year of growth
Monthly workshops and coaching to build real, lasting leadership skills.
A community that lasts
After the Fellowship, you join the Kind Leader Network for ongoing support.
FELLOWSHIP PATHWAYS
Three pathways. One community.
The Fellowship meets you where you are. Choose the path that fits your project.
New Projects
You have a vision.
We'll help you build it.
For leaders with an idea or early-stage project.
✓ Up to $5,000 in funding
✓ Monthly workshops
✓ 1:1 coaching
✓ Peer mentor
✓ In-person Leadership Summit
Existing Projects
You've started something.
Let's take it further.
For projects with momentum, ready to scale.
✓ Up to $5,000 in funding
✓ Monthly workshops
✓ 1:1 coaching
✓ Peer mentor
✓ In-person Leadership Summit
Senior Fellowship
You've been here before.
Now lead the way.
For returning Fellows ready to deepen and give back.
✓ Up to $2,000 in funding
✓ Advanced monthly workshops
✓ Professional mentor
✓ In-person Summit
✓ Serve as a peer mentor
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Every pathway includes hands-on workshops led by expert facilitators and Riley's Way staff, designed to build real skills while strengthening your project.
Learn skills you'll use for life.
Storytelling 101 Amplifying Community Voices Social Media for Impact Fundraising 101 Self-Care & Well-Being for Leaders
Building Mission-Aligned Partnerships Time Management for Youth Leaders Strategic Planning
+ Senior: Scaling for Long-Term Impact + Senior: Managing a Leadership Team
"The support from the Riley's Way community has been invaluable. I set my biggest goals this year — and accountability meetings with my mentor empowered me to reach new heights."
Austin P., Call For Kindness Fellow
2026–2027 Fellowship Year
● Jan 5 — Applications open General Fellowship applications open
● Feb 2 — Senior Fellowship opens Senior Fellowship applications open
● Mar 1 — All applications close
● Mid–Late April — Fellows notified Selected fellows receive notification
● May 6 — C4K Celebration New fellows announced publicly
● May 13 — First workshop
● Jun 5–7 — Senior Fellow Summit (NYC)
● Jun–Apr — Monthly workshops
● Feb 5–7 — C4K Summit
● May 6, 2027 — Fellowship year ends
FELLOWSHIP TIMELINE
The Call For Kindness is made possible by our sponsors.
The Call For Kindness Fellowship is made possible by organizations and individuals who believe in the power of youth-led change.
Their support funds project grants, leadership development, and the community that keeps Fellows connected all year long.
OUR SPONSORS
THE SANDLER FAMILY
A KINDER WORLD FOUNDATION
Interested in supporting the next generation of kind leaders?
Ready to bring your idea to life?
Believe in youth-led change?
The Call For Kindness Fellowship is made possible by donors and partners who believe young people, given the right tools, can transform their communities.