Deadline: 26-Jun-2026
The NGFP Balkans Fellowship Program is accepting applications to support emerging foresight leaders from the Balkans through funding, training, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities focused on long-term systems-level change. The fellowship supports projects related to climate transitions, democracy, emerging technologies, health, peacebuilding, rural futures, and intergenerational fairness.
Selected fellows receive a USD 1,000 kick-starter grant, access to global foresight networks, training opportunities, and the chance to compete for a USD 10,000 grand prize based on project progress and contributions to the foresight community.
About the Fellowship
The programme is designed for individuals developing:
- Futures-focused projects
- Long-term systems change initiatives
- Innovative community solutions
- Foresight-driven ideas
The fellowship includes:
- One year of project support
- Collaboration and mentorship
- Foresight training
- Networking opportunities
- Access to global changemaking communities
At least:
- One fellowship spot is reserved for applicants from the Balkans region
Key Focus Areas
The fellowship supports projects related to:
- Climate and Just Transitions
- Democracy and Sustainable Development
- Emerging Technologies
- Indigenous Futures and Futures Methods
- Health Futures
- Intergenerational Fairness
- Nuclear Security and Peacebuilding
- Rural Futures
Projects should demonstrate:
- Long-term thinking
- Systems-level impact potential
- Community relevance
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive:
- USD 1,000 kick-starter funding
- Access to global foresight networks
- Introductory foresight training
- Support from expert foresight practitioners
- Collaboration opportunities
- Bi-weekly grant and opportunity updates
- Access to regional and thematic hubs
- Participation in futures and foresight events
Fellows may also compete for:
- USD 10,000 grand prize funding
The prize is awarded based on:
- Project progress
- Community contributions
- Engagement in the foresight ecosystem
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be from the Balkans region, including:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovenia
Applicants from Balkan regions of:
- Greece
- Türkiye
may also apply.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be aged 18–35
- Or be over 35 with less than one year of foresight experience
- Live in the Balkans region
- Hold nationality from the region
- Be early in their foresight journey
- Demonstrate commitment to collaboration and lifelong learning
Applicants must also be working on:
- A futures-focused project
- An initiative with long-term impact potential
Why This Fellowship Matters
The programme helps emerging leaders:
- Develop futures-thinking skills
- Build international collaborations
- Strengthen systems-level innovation
- Address long-term global and regional challenges
The fellowship also strengthens:
- Youth leadership
- Strategic foresight capacity
- Community-driven innovation
- Long-term policy and social thinking
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the NGFP Balkans Fellowship Program?
It is a fellowship supporting emerging foresight leaders working on long-term systems change projects in the Balkans region.
What funding do fellows receive?
Selected fellows receive:
- USD 1,000 kick-starter funding
They may also compete for:
- USD 10,000 grand prize funding
What topics are supported?
The fellowship supports projects related to:
- Climate
- Democracy
- Emerging technologies
- Health
- Peacebuilding
- Rural futures
- Intergenerational fairness
Who can apply?
Applicants must:
- Be from the Balkans region
- Be aged 18–35
- Or be over 35 with limited foresight experience
Is foresight experience required?
The programme is designed for:
- Beginners
- Emerging foresight practitioners
What additional support is provided?
Fellows receive:
- Mentorship
- Foresight training
- Networking opportunities
- Access to global communities and events
Conclusion
The NGFP Balkans Fellowship Program offers an important opportunity for emerging changemakers in the Balkans to develop futures-focused projects with long-term systems impact. Through funding, mentorship, foresight training, and global collaboration, the programme supports innovative leaders working to shape more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable futures.
For more information, visit Next Generation Foresight Practitioners.