The Global Exchange Program was launched in January 2008 to put into practice The Deshpande Foundation’s vision for global exchange specific to development and innovation. The concept allows for exchange - in both directions- improving and addressing the solutions that solve the developing world’s most intractable challenges. The Global Exchange Program was designed to help fuel the change of innovation and improve the outcomes of development. The Fellows work to address challenges at NGOs working the in the fields of Agriculture, Livelihood, Education and Health. Ideal candidates have experience in these areas but also add value by bringing skills from the IT sector, business (marketing and management), finance (accounting) and other globally applicable skills. Current fellows are dynamic and interested in making a long term impact through innovation in the sector. In June 2008, The Deshpande Foundations welcomed the first team of 10 Fellows to the Sandbox, with Fellows from both the US and the UK.

The next Sandbox Fellowship class runs from September 2010 - September 2011. To get more information, get on the mailing list or if you have any specific questions about the Fellowship please email meenakshi@deshpandefoundation.org. Please email your current resume and completed application to gep@deshpandefoundation.org. The application deadline for the Sandbox Fellowship is January 4, 2010.

The next Innovators Challenge will run during the summer of 2010, with the three teams being selected to travel to Hubli and implement their project. To get more information about the Innovators Challenge please email meenakshi@deshpandefoundation.org. Please email all current resumes for team members and completed application to gep@deshpandefoundation.org. The application deadline for the Innovators Challenge is January 15, 2010.

There are short-term opportunities through our Junior Fellowship available for individuals interested in gaining experience in an exciting and growing organization: The Deshpande Center for Social Entrepreneurship (DCSE). Opportunities are available in cost/benefit analysis, documentation, monitoring and evaluation, curriculum design and more. The Junior Fellowship's time frame is between 3-6 months. These opportunities are unpaid, but a very modest stipend is provided in addition to housing. To get more information, be placed on the mailing list or if you have any specific questions about the Junior Fellowship please email meenakshi@deshpandefoundation.org. To apply for the Junior Fellowship, please download the application above and attach along with a resume and cover letter (outlining your skills and areas of interest along with the time period) and send it to: gep@deshpandefoundation.org. Junior Fellowship applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Quotes from Fellows:

"My hope is that the work done at Chandana (school for underprivileged children) will help the institution become a leading center for education and child development that is open and accessible to students" -Aparna, Sandbox Fellow 2008-2009

"[My innovation] is important because Agastya delivers an incredible service to millions of children, it should also be delivering the same services internally- offering a platform for all the members of the staff to learn and innovate. It will mean that this NGO can become an incredibly dynamic organization reacting to the needs of its stakeholders and developing new ideas."
-Kate, Sandbox Fellow 2008-2009

"Realizing I was moving to a country where the lifestyle is much different from what I am accustomed to, I expected the transition period to be rough. Surprisingly, it was not as difficult as I had imagined and I somehow I found a patience and flexibility within me, that I did not realize I possessed!"
-Taryn, Sandbox Fellow 2008-2009