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About the Impact Fellowships Network (IFN)

The Impact Fellowships Network (IFN) is a multi-year initiative, with core funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, designed to elevate the global fellowship sector and strengthen its ability to develop leaders who drive meaningful change. Building on the success of the Impact Fellowships Summit (IFS) and the Fellowship Alumni Network Study (FANS), IFN is building a dynamic, inclusive community of practice focused on leadership development and social impact.

A Community of Changemakers

IFN brings together over 650 fellowship leaders, designers, and practitioners from across sectors and regions—united by a shared belief that bringing people together to bridge divides, investing in opportunities for them to learn and grow, and supporting their development as leaders can change the world.

IFN offers a dynamic, collaborative space where members strengthen their programs to support leaders tackling unprecedented challenges, share what works and what doesn’t, and elevate the collective impact of fellowships. Through continuous learning and adaptation, we help ensure IFN members are not only resilient but also equipped to lead transformative change in their communities and sectors—advancing our shared mission in a rapidly changing world.

"IFN has empowered us at Library Aid Africa to enhance our approaches to supporting alumni of the Young African Library Leaders Fellowship as they integrate into library ecosystems in their countries and contribute to meaningful change within their institutions, communities, and systems" - Damilare Oyedele, Library Aid Africa

Our Role in the Fellowship Ecosystem

The Impact Fellowships Network (IFN) is a key node in the global fellowship ecosystem—accelerating innovation and providing a trusted space for fellowship practitioners to learn, share, and grow.

Our work is grounded in evidence, driven by collaboration, and focused on impact.

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to strengthening the fellowship ecosystem through:

Innovative Community Events - IFN creates inclusive spaces – virtual, hybrid, and in-person – for learning, sharing, and connection around issues that drive positive social change. We bring diverse voices together and foster dialogue across local, regional and global communities. 

Fellowship Impact Research - Collaboration fuels IFN’s approach to learning and action. Through co-designed research and training, we support partners in evaluating program impact in ways that are responsive, relevant and replicable – building shared knowledge across our network.

Supportive Network Engagement - Every IFN engagement is rooted in belonging, growth and global connection. As priorities evolve, we remain committed to cultivating trust, mutual understanding, and collaboration to meet partner interests and needs.

Join the Impact Fellowship Network

Become an IFN Member for year-round access to resources, peer collaboration, and a growing movement shaping the future of fellowships.

Whether you manage academic fellowships, community leadership programs, or professional development initiatives, IFN offers access to collaborative research, annual events, and peer learning—all designed to support evidence-based excellence in fellowship programming. 

Feel free to email contact.impactfellowships@irex.org for any inquiries you may have.

IFN Core Funding Partners