Founder Region Fellowship

Founder Region Fellowship, Inc. is a nonprofit organization advancing the status of women through financial support for women completing the final phase of their doctoral programs. Established in 1948, its Fellowship Program is Founder Region’s identifying project and supports the broader Soroptimist mission of helping women and girls gain access to education and training that promote economic empowerment.

The organization awards grants to outstanding doctoral candidates in its region, recognizing the impact of women’s academic research and future work. Relevant fields include science, technology, education, the environment, women’s issues, and international relations. Its vision is to improve the lives of women and girls locally and globally by supporting fellows who can make a difference.

Founder Region Fellowship serves ten Northern California counties, as well as Hawaii, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands, as part of Soroptimist International of the Americas. The organization also provides information for prospective applicants, including an application portal, eligibility guidance, frequently asked questions, and details about past winners