The Castanea Fellowship envisions a racially just, culturally rooted, sustainable, and healthy food system for children, families, and all communities. This fellowship program roots leadership development in liberatory practices, supporting established leaders ready to deepen the impact of their vision.
The Castanea Fellowship is an 18 month awarded program for diverse leaders working to transform the food system in a wide range of areas, including health, environment, agriculture, regional economies, and community development. Castanea Fellows will build power to shift structures and culture towards the creation of a more racially just, sustainable, and healthy food system for all communities. We further the work of established leaders from across the country and provide them with the time, space, and resources they need to connect and innovate on long-term solutions within vibrant communities.
The Castanea Fellowship Experience offers:
- Space to build relationship and deepen connection with other food justice leaders through intentional restorative spaces.
- Four in-person gatherings to build and learn as a cohort and benefit from diverse regional perspectives and tactics.
- Virtual programming to support emergent topics and points of collaboration; may include training in communication, finance, leadership development, organizing, and policy, among other topics.
- Space to explore leadership challenges and growth edges, and engage in transformative practices
- $40,000 award to support the work and participation of Fellows.
- An unparalleled opportunity to amplify the vision, influence, and impact of dedicated leaders.
- Support, mentorship, and love from the Castanea community.
Requirements
- At least five years of demonstrated leadership to improve the food system in areas including, but not limited to: agriculture, community development, communications, culture change, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, food and farming, healthcare, organizing, labor, policy, and/or public health.
- Demonstrated commitment to building power in communities of color, low-income communities, and other marginalized populations.
- Track record of influencing and collaborating with a broad array of partners.
- Residence within the United States, including outlying territories.
Benefits
A Castanea Fellow will be provided with:
- A $40,000 award
- Travel expenses (hotel, flight, and meals) for all in-person immersions
- Skill-based trainings and other development opportunities on a range of topics
- Individualized support, such as mentorship, coaching, and professional development support
- National recognition as a Castanea Fellow
- Unparalleled connections with leaders within the cohort
- Access to a rich alumni network and Castanea’s broader network of food systems leaders
