Online applications are invited for the Kanthari Scholarship to provide financial assistance. Check the details below!

About Kanthari Scholarship

Kanthari scholarship is designed for individuals who have already committed to launching an organization or NGO aimed at creating a positive impact. It serves as a transformative platform for those poised to make a difference in their communities. The twelve-month, scholarship-based program equips participants with essential skills to effectively lead Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), NGOs, social enterprises, or social ventures.

Kanthari Scholarship 2025
Kanthari Scholarship 2025

Eligibility

  • Kanthari welcomes applicants over 22 years of age (we don’t have an upper age limit) who have overcome significant life challenges ranging from vision impairment, disability, poverty, war, discrimination, and/or exploitation.
  • Or, they could also be witnesses to social situations they wish to change so others do not suffer.
  • They all have a plan to start an organisation and/or initiative that addresses a social and/or environmental problem.
  • They should have a passion to make the world a better place and the strength to be forces of good rather than be victims of circumstance.
  • Applicants must speak and understand basic English and have basic computer skills.

Application Submission

  • Selected participants will qualify for a scholarship provided by our donors to cover the training fee and accommodation.
  • Graduates of the program will have access to a network of change-makers from 50+ countries worldwide.
  • The course covers a range of topics that are relevant to start and run an impact
  • The next kanthari course starts in April 2025
  • Step 1: Application via online application form.
  • Step 2: Initial interview: Our intake team will interview you via a Zoom call to get a feel for your passion and clarity in regard to your chosen project.
  • You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the program and application process, questions that are not already answered through the website content.
  • Step 3: an essay write-up: you will write about your personal history, your challenges, how you have dealt with these, and your vision for social change. Also included is a small budget.
  • Step 4: Expert Interview: This online interview will be conducted by an independent expert to determine your suitability for participating in this very intense course.
  • Step 5: Catalyst interview: This interview will be done with a group of catalysts who will mainly focus on your project idea.
  • Step 6: PEP program: a practical, assignment-based exercise that helps us gauge your timeliness, reading comprehension, attention to detail, ability to follow instructions, creative thinking, and communication skills among others.
  • If you are selected, there will be additional assignments to be completed before arrival in India.

How to Apply?

Interested candidates can apply directly through this link.

Click here to view the official notification of the Kanthari Scholarship.

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What is different about this leadership program?

The kanthari course differs from conventional leadership programs in several ways:
Each cohort is highly diverse. Participants are from different backgrounds, come with various different project ideas and expertise, hail from all around the world and some have a physical or sensory disability.

They accept beginners who have never worked in the social and/or environmental sector and those who have founded and run their venture already. They don’t differentiate between persons with higher education (those with PHDs or doctor titles) & school drop-outs. They are interested in a wide range of ages, from 22 years of age upward (with no upward age limit).

To tailor the course content adequately to each participant, They developed a hands-on curriculum, based on experiential learning. The curriculum is called: “a journey in 5 acts”. It has been tested and modified for over 15 years and with most of their alumni, they witnessed that the tools they provide are crucial in setting up and running a sustainable impactful venture.

The course is only effective if it is done in one go. There is no pick and choose because each session is interlinked and is built up on previous learnings. Only if all acts are successfully completed, you will graduate from the course.

Q. What is the duration of the course?

Kanthari offers a 12-month lasting course.

The course is split into an online and an on-campus part.

Every year, the course starts online in the beginning of April (6 weeks). This is a preparation that lays the foundation for the on-campus training.

Then, the on-campus part will start around the end of May (7 months).

Usually, this part ends around mid-December and you will return home.

After the on-campus part is over, you will start or continue your social/environmental venture on the ground. For 3 months you will be guided by a local mentor, a kanthari alumni who has already started an organisation. Once these 3 months are successfully completed, you will become an official kanthari graduate.

Q. How to know if I am eligible or not.

You will need to have an idea for a social and or environmental project/venture that will create a mindset change and/or a positive impact in your community, or you are running your venture already and you are at a point where you need new input and/or additional skills & tools.

You will need to be 22 years of age or older (Please note: there is no upper age limit)

Intermediary knowledge of English (reading, writing and speaking)

Basic knowledge of using a computer

You will need to be flexible, open to unlearn and relearn, creative, intrinsically driven, bring a high level of motivation, energy, and ownership

For persons with physical or visual impairment: Independent mobility and daily living skills. By-standers for persons in wheelchairs can possibly be accepted if absolutely necessary, however the costs of their stay will not be covered by the scholarship.

Blind and/or partially sighted persons need to have excellent mobility skills, being able to use the white cane, and independently use a computer with speech synthesizer or Braille display.