Are you an early entrepreneur or a nonprofit leader who working to help underserved communities. The Truist Foundation Fellowship for 2026 could be for you. It is a 16 week online program. This program is made to help you grow and make a bigger impact. It runs from March 4 to June 19. Applicants chosen as Fellows will get special training. They will learn about finance, hiring sales and how to measure their work. They will also get a mentor and support from others in the program.
You should apply if you have been running your group for one to five years. You must work in places like the Southeast, the Mid-Atlantic United States, Northeast and South Central US. If you are ready to lead change in your local area this is your chance. You should apply by January 12, 2026 to be looked at first.
Truist Foundation Fellowship Summary
| Fellowship Location | Virtual |
| Dates | March 4 to June 19, 2026 |
| Time Commitment | 8–10 hours per week |
| Eligible For | Owners and leaders with 1–5 years in operation |
| Regions | Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, South Central |
| Application Deadline | January 12, 2026 |
About the Truist Fellowship
A skills and growth program run by the Watson Institute and supported by the Truist Foundation. You join a selected cohort, learn from experts, get feedback, host a Basecamp event in your community, and present at the Summit. The goal is simple: more jobs, stronger local economies, better access to services.
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Benefits
- Live training in finance, sales, hiring, budgeting, partnerships, impact measurement
- Mentorship from operators and funders
- Peer community for feedback and accountability
- Basecamp support to host a local workshop or showcase
- Summit stage to pitch your venture and grow your network
Note: This fellowship is program-funded training and support. It is not an equity investment or a grant to your venture.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Truist Foundation Fellowship you are:
- A small business owner, nonprofit leader, or entrepreneur serving underbanked or underserved people.
- Based in and creating impact in one of these regions:
- Northeast: NJ, PA
- Mid-Atlantic: MD, VA, DC, WV
- South Central: TX, OH
- Southeast: AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN
- In operation 1 to 5 years, fewer than 10 employees.
- Have customers or program users, clear results, and some funding (revenue, grants, investments, or donations).
- 18+ years old.
- Ready to fully join all sessions and events for the full 16 weeks.
Mindset: you want expert training, honest feedback, and a strong peer network. You are ready to lead a Basecamp event and share what you learn.
Program Structure
- Immersive: short live sprint to set goals and build your growth plan.
- Workshops: weekly online sessions with tools you can use the same day.
- Mentor time: targeted advice on your plan and metrics.
- Basecamp: you lead a 1–3 day community event to test ideas and build local support.
- Summit: pitch, get feedback, and meet partners.
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Selection criteria
- Clear problem and who you serve.
- Solid traction (users, revenue, pilots, outcomes).
- Real impact for underbanked or underserved people.
- Feasible growth plan you can test in 16 weeks.
- Strong commitment to show up and contribute to the cohort.
How to Apply for Truist Foundation Fellowship
- Submit application by Jan 12, 2026 for priority review.
- Rolling review continues until all spots are filled.
- Interview (20-minute Zoom) for selected candidates.
- Final decisions by Feb 9, 2026.
- Confirm your spot and join the cohort on Mar 4, 2026.