Heed the Call

When is the application deadline?

The early submission cutoff is 12:00 Noon HST on Monday, June 23, 2025. Those who apply by the early submission cutoff will receive an email confirming receipt of materials and a list of any missing items by Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

The final application deadline is 12:00 Noon HST on Monday, June 30, 2025.

Is attendance mandatory for Cohort X sessions and activities?
Yes, in-person participation is mandatory for all sessions and activities. Please review the Cohort X schedule to ensure that you can commit to each one. Attendance is important because the context for transformative learning is community. The ability of a group to form a sense of shared identity creates a basis for moving forward together in learning. 

What is the cost associated for this program?
There is no cost for the Fellow or sponsoring organization. Hawaiʻi Leadership Forum covers all program costs for each participant, including airfare, ground transportation, and lodging for neighbor island Fellows. 

How will I know if my application is complete?
You will receive an email confirming the status of your application within five business days of submission or by Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at the latest if you submit by the early submission cutoff of 12:00 Noon HST on Monday, June 23, 2025.

If you did not submit your two letters of support with your online application, we highly recommend that you contact your letter writers directly to make sure it was received by our office. Your letter writers will receive confirmation of receipt from our office within five business days. Letters of support should be submitted with your application form or emailed directly to info@omidyarfellows.org.

What dates should I block for interviews?
It is important to make sure you are available on the interview dates before applying. We are unable to accommodate alternate times. Interview sign-ups are on a first-registered, first-served basis, so you may not receive your preferred time slot. 

We ask that you block all day on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 and Thursday, August 14, 2025 for the semifinalist small group process and all day on Monday, September 15, 2025 and Tuesday, September 16, 2025 for the finalist interviews. Once your time slot is confirmed, you will only need to be present for one day for the semifinalist small group process and one day for finalist interviews.

Please also save Friday, August 1, 2025 from 12:00 Noon – 1:00 pm for a Zoom workshop for semifinalists. This workshop will help you prepare for the semifinalist small group process and will be recorded for those who cannot participate.

We may also ask for a phone interview between Monday, July 14 – Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Can a letter of support be written by an Omidyar Fellow?
Omidyar Fellows may only write letters of support if they are the CEO or board chair of your sponsoring organization.

Can I provide more than two letters of support?
Please submit a total of two letters of support: one from your chief executive and one from a colleague (outside of your organization) or community member. Detailed information about what each letter should address is available here.

Who should I address my letters of support to?
Please address your letters either to the Selection Committee or To Whom It May Concern.

If I am a sole practitioner or entrepreneur, who should write my chief executive letter of support?
Please have your board chair write your letter. If you do not have a board, please have a community executive write your letter. Please note that Omidyar Fellows may not write your letter of support.

If the chief executive in my organization resides out of state, may I submit a letter of support from the regional executive based in Hawaiʻi?
Yes, since the regional executive may be more familiar with your work, feel free to submit a letter from the top executive based in Hawaiʻi.  

Will you cover costs for neighbor island travel during the selection process?
Airfare and ground transportation costs will be covered for candidates. 

How many candidates may an organization sponsor?
For cohort diversity, if we receive more than one candidate application from the same organization, only one candidate may be selected as a finalist.

Are elected officials eligible to apply for the Omidyar Fellows program?
Given the demands of the program, the unique nature of political leadership, and the requirements of the legislative calendar, elected officials are not eligible for participation in the Omidyar Fellows program.