THE ANN BANCROFT FOUNDATION TRAILBLAZER FELLOWSHIP

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the Ann Bancroft Foundation Trailblazer Fellowship

The Ann Bancroft Foundation Trailblazer Fellowship (Trailblazer Fellowship) is a fellowship program launched in 2022 in honor of the organization's 25th anniversary. We invite previously awarded grantees (Trailblazers) currently enrolled in high school (9th-12th grade in 2023-2024) to apply for up to $2500.
 

Who is a Trailblazer?

Our founder Ann Bancroft is one of the world's preeminent polar explorers and an internationally recognized leader dedicated to inspiring women and girls worldwide to unleash the power of their dreams... in other words, Ann is a trailblazer. Our grant alumnae are the young women currently making tracks and trekking into their unknown. Through their grant activity, they have all made strides in pushing themselves to reach their full potential. Which, in our minds, means they are Ann Bancroft Foundation Trailblazers.

At this time, our Trailblazer Fellowship grant program is only open to Trailblazers currently enrolled in grades 9-12. 

 

What are the deadlines to apply for the Trailblazer Fellowship

The 2023-2024 Trailblazer Fellowship application is currently closed. You can find more information here.
 

If selected as a Trailblazer Fellow, will cohort sessions be virtual or in person

Cohort sessions will be a hybrid model of in-person and virtual. 

 

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible for the Trailblazer Fellowship, you must be:

  • A current Trailblazer (previous grant recipient) of a grant from the Ann Bancroft Foundation

  • A resident of Minnesota

  • You cannot apply if a family member is a current staff or board member of the Ann Bancroft Foundation

  • Must be in high school (9th-12th grade) for the 2023-2024 school year

  • There are no citizenship requirements

  • You must have completed your original ABF grant activity at the time of your application

 

How do I apply?

The application process for the Ann Bancroft Trailblazer Fellowship is in three phases. Phase 1: If eligible based on criteria above, the first step is filling out an application. This is open from October 11th to November 6th. Phase 2: If selected as a semi-finalist, you and your mentor will be asked to answer some questions. Phase three: If selected as a finalist, there will be a short in-person conversation. Following that, Fellows will be selected and announced by February 26, 2024.

 

What types of activities do you fund?

Tell us your dream!! The possibilities are limitless from arts, stem, entrepreneurship, starting a community garden, travel, leadership, purchase equipment for a project. Dream it and tell us about it! 

 

How long do I have to wait after receiving an initial Ann Bancroft Foundation grant before I can apply for the Trailblazer Fellowship?

If eligible based on the criteria above, you can apply for a Trailblazer Fellowship after completing the dream /goal of your first grant.
 

Do I have to participate in the same activity listed for my first Ann Bancroft Foundation grant?

No. We are excited to hear how your plans and dreams have evolved since your first Ann Bancroft Foundation grant. Are you pursuing something similar or are you wanting to try something new?
 

Do I have to work with the same mentor I listed for my Ann Bancroft Foundation grant?

No. You can work with a new mentor or with the mentor you listed in your previous grant. 

 

We are here to help! If you still have questions, reach out or schedule a call with us: grants@annbancroftfoundation.org

612-338-5752