About Buddha Fellowship Program
The Buddha Fellowship Program is a flagship social responsibility initiative by The Buddha Institute. It supports development entrepreneurs who are building sustainable, for-profit enterprises that improve the lives of marginalized communities, particularly in rural India.
The fellowship strengthens social enterprises through structured mentoring, entrepreneurship clinics, funding opportunities, expert guidance, and access to networks. Instead of offering only financial assistance, the program helps fellows build scalable and impactful businesses that generate long-term social change.
Fellowship Duration
The Buddha Fellowship Program runs for 24 months.
The fellowship includes:
- A mandatory 10-month core fellowship program
- An additional 14-month advanced support phase for selected high-performing fellows
- Six Buddha Entrepreneurship Clinics (BECs) conducted throughout the fellowship
- Continued support for deserving fellows, based on organizational needs and performance.
Benefits of Buddha Fellowship Program
Selected fellows receive comprehensive entrepreneurial support instead of only financial assistance.
Key Benefits
- Personalized mentoring from experienced industry leaders
- Access to grants and private investment opportunities
- Six Buddha Entrepreneurship Clinics (BECs)
- Rural immersion and community engagement
- Business strategy and enterprise development support
- Access to laboratories, technical resources, and professional networks
- Exposure to government and private sector partnerships
- Opportunity to scale social enterprises sustainably
- Maximum financial support of up to тВ╣25 lakh (subject to eligibility and program assessment)
- Membership in an exclusive network of development entrepreneurs.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Operate a for-profit enterprise for at least two years
- Create measurable impact for vulnerable or marginalized communities
- Focus on poverty reduction, livelihoods, environmental sustainability, or rural development
- Have an annual turnover of тВ╣18 lakh or more
- Apply as the primary founder of the enterprise
- Demonstrate strong leadership, innovation, and execution capabilities.
Preference is generally given to:
- Women entrepreneurs
- Dalit entrepreneurs
- Tribal entrepreneurs
- Enterprises working directly with rural communities.
Preferred Sectors
The fellowship primarily supports enterprises working in:
- Agriculture
- Livelihood Development
- Healthcare
- Environmental Sustainability
Organizations working in similar impact sectors may also be considered based on their social impact.
Desired Qualities in Applicants
The Buddha Institute looks for entrepreneurs who demonstrate:
- Commitment to reducing poverty and inequality
- Passion for solving real-world social challenges
- Strong execution skills
- Innovative thinking
- Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders
- Resilience and determination
- Long-term vision for sustainable development.
Selection Procedure
The fellowship follows a structured evaluation process.
Step 1: Online Application
Applicants submit their fellowship application through the official portal.
Step 2: Eligibility Screening
The institute reviews organizational eligibility, enterprise maturity, and social impact.
Step 3: Detailed Assessment
Experts evaluate the applicant’s:
- Business model
- Social impact
- Leadership potential
- Financial sustainability
- Growth strategy
Step 4: Interviews
Shortlisted candidates participate in interviews and further evaluations.
Step 5: Final Selection
Successful applicants join the Buddha Fellowship cohort and begin the mentoring journey.
How to Apply for Buddha Fellowship Program
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official Buddha Fellowship application portal.
- Register using your email address and mobile number.
- Create your login credentials.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the required information and supporting documents.
- Review your application carefully.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
Applicants may save their application and continue later before final submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be edited.
Required Documents
Applicants should keep the following documents ready:
- Identity proof
- Business registration documents
- Enterprise profile
- Financial records
- Annual turnover details
- Impact reports (if available)
- Founder information
- Any additional documents requested during the application process.
Application Link
https://thebuddhainstitute.org/login
Official Website
https://thebuddhainstitute.org/budha-fellowship-program
Contact Details
The Buddha Institute
Address:
#1, Community Shopping Centre, First Floor, Anupam Apartments, Mehrauli Badarpur Road, Saidullajab, Sainik Farm, New Delhi тАУ 110068
Phone: +91-7669381403