Ashoka Launches U.S. Program

Ashoka, a global organization that has identified and invested in nearly 1000 leading social entrepreneurs over the past two decades, is launching its programs in the United States in 2000 and is seeking nominations of promising candidates. To be elected an Ashoka Fellow, individuals must have an innovative and practical idea for solving a social problem which has the potential to spread across the country or continent, entrepreneurial temperament (e.g., they will not rest until their idea has spread across the country or continent), creativity, and strong ethical fiber. Candidates should be in the early phase of launching their ideas.

Individuals who move successfully through Ashoka's rigorous, multi-stage selection process will receive personal financial assistance for an average of three years to allow recipients to work full-time on their idea. Ashoka will also offer each Fellow an array of non-financial services to allow him/her to grow his/her enterprise as well as the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded peers around the world. Ashoka accepts nominations on a rolling basis, and will hold selection panels in July and December 2000. If you know of someone who may meet the criteria, or if you know someone who might know a potential candidate, please contact us at 703 527 8300, or send your thoughts to USNominations@ashoka.org. Please also see our web site at http://www.ashoka.org.