The Rockefeller Foundation announced the second class of its U.S. Big Bets Fellows on April 22, 2026, during a convening in Baltimore. The program selects leaders working on large-scale solutions to societal challenges, with this year's cohort focusing on climate resilience, health equity, and economic opportunity.
The 10 fellows were chosen from over 400 applicants. Each fellow receives up to $1 million in funding and access to a network of experts and partners. The fellowship aims to support bold, measurable initiatives that can be scaled nationally.
Among the 2026 fellows are projects addressing food system transformation, clean energy access, and maternal health. The foundation emphasized the importance of community-led approaches and cross-sector collaboration.
The announcement builds on the inaugural 2025 class, which included projects on affordable housing and digital inclusion. The Rockefeller Foundation plans to expand the program to additional regions in future years.
