Innovate for social good
Social Innovation Program
Our Social Innovation Program (previously Professionals Fellowship Program) is designed for professionals in the private, public, entrepreneurial or non-profit sectors to challenge perceptions about change and culture.
Due to disruptions caused by COVID-19, the Social Innovation Program has been postponed until 2022. If you would like to join our 2022 cohorts, please reach out to us via programs@pollinategroup.org.
Through real-time cases applying design thinking and rapid prototyping you’ll be equipped to apply your new skills back in your team and organisation.
You and your goals
- You’re passionate about applying your experience to empower women, end poverty and create access to clean energy.
- You seek professional and personal development in a vastly different environment to your day to day life.
- You want to gain a competitive edge in your career.
This program is a unique opportunity to self-reflect, understand more about your professional motivations and gain insights that will contribute to a meaningful career.
Your impact
You’ll become a part of the social businesses, Asha Kiran or Kalpavriksha, in their office for two weeks for a completely immersive experience.
Work as a consultancy alongside our local team to create ways to overcome old and new problems. Apply your experience and learn in the office and in the field.
Example projects include:
- Supporting the supply of quality products. For instance, as a result of Social Innovation Programs we’ve launched improved cookstoves, water filters and modular solar systems to meet the needs of our customers.
- Evaluating our impact through quantitative and qualitative surveys and workshops with customers.
- Building new recruitment channels and developing improved training materials and processes for women entrepreneurs.
Your involvement in a Social Innovation Fellowship Program is essential to building our capacity and sharing knowledge with our team, women entrepreneurs and customers.
Program structure
You’ll gain a practical understanding of the entrepreneurial approach to community development, an appreciation for involving the end user in design and change, and tools to help you initiate and lead game changing ideas in your studies and future.
The program involves 2 weeks at one of our offices, including time interacting with our customers and women entrepreneurs to understand their challenges and needs.
You will be:
- Part of a high performing group of 14 to 18 participants
- Working in teams of 3 to 4 on strategic projects
- Joining people from diverse industries and roles
- Collaborating across cultures with peers and our team
- Spending 50% of your time in communities to understand women entrepreneur and customer needs
Social Innovation Program fee and inclusions
A$4,000 includes:
- Program facilitation
- All program related ground transport costs
- Public liability insurance
- All accommodation in India or Nepal
- Two meals covered per day and social outings
The fee does not include flights, visa costs, travel insurance or personal spending.
If you’re not attending as part of a program paid by your employer, you can fundraise the A$4,000, using Pollinate Group’s charitable status. There is a non-refundable deposit of A$400 to secure your place. The fundraising target must be met two weeks prior to arrival in India or Nepal.
Useful resources
Read about participant’s experiences
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Changing lives in India
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Collaborating for female empowerment
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Shining a light on community-focused social enterprise
Equipping the next social and environmental leaders
FAQs
Check out our program FAQs, including what we look for in an applicant.
Chat with a participant
We have a growing alumni of fellows who are passionate about their experience. If you’d like to discuss what our program is like with a past participant please email us at programs@pollinategroup.org
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Testimonials
Isioma Omojani – Head of Operations, DeltaAfrik Charitable Foundation
“My experience taught me how simple lifestyle changes in slum communities can eventually affect national development. Since my program I have taken on core leadership and mentorship roles, where I help my colleagues, family and friends evaluate and value their individual and corporate innovative contributions to local communities.”
Sajal Kumar – Project Engineer, Rio Tinto
“This is an experience of a lifetime! The program gives a great insight into the realities of the majority of people in the developing world by throwing you right into the middle of the issues. You’re provided with mentorship and an opportunity to interact with leaders in the social enterprise sector to augment your learning about this space.”
Susannah McClymont – Project & Ideas Implementer, Careershifters
“To anyone even remotely thinking of applying to take part in this program – I urge you to not think about it and just do it, because it will really change your life and give you experiences which I’m sure are going to last a lifetime. So go on be brave and bold and take the plunge out of your comfort zone as you never know what could happen, as you might just have two of the most awesome weeks of your life!”