GivingTuesday’s Starling Collective seeks grassroots leaders for 2022 cohort

GivingTuesday is once again inviting grassroots leaders across the globe to apply to its Starling Collective programme.

The Starling Collective connects leaders from around the world through skill-building, coaching, and peer-learning as well as microgrants to support leadership development and accelerate on-the-ground work. Applications for the 2022 cohort are open until 1 September, with each of those selected to receive a microgrant of $2,000 USD (€1,965).

Participants will also have the opportunity to pitch their idea or initiative for a chance to receive additional funding at the end of the programme, with those selected to be announced in early October.

Asha Curran, GivingTuesday CEO, said:

“Injustices in the world are overwhelming and can rob us of our belief that change is possible, especially in times of ongoing crisis. But every day in communities across the globe, there are leaders responding to local needs and challenges with generosity, kindness, and resourcefulness, and they remind us of the transformative power of community-based and led care and support.

“The Starling Collective fellows are determined and creative leaders committed to creating change in their communities, and it’s thrilling to see them collaborate, learn together, and offer each other support as they continue growing their projects and their impact.”

GivingTuesday first launched the Starling Collective in the spring of 2020 as a response to the pandemic’s upheaval and the demands for social justice. Nearly 4,000 applications were submitted from 100 countries. Fellowship alumni have included 109 grassroots organisers, activists, artists and changemakers representing 60 countries, speaking 40 languages, and ranging in age from 11 to 71.

Their impact has included organising a coffee shop as a safe space for women refugees in Greece, raising awareness for the needs of blind people in Vietnam, mobilising for trans rights in Brazil, inspiring giving through music in Uganda, and organising mutual aid networks and community care around the world.

Photo by mentatdgt from Pexels