Our Impact

The Fellowship

A great cloud of witnesses.

Every three years, we select a cohort of Fellows and support them over a two-year fellowship with annual funding, leadership training, and one-on-one mentorship from experienced leaders in their field. Together, these elements are designed to build the capacity of leaders who are called to this work, spiritually, professionally, and personally.

Who We're Looking For

We seek leaders who are unapologetically Black, unapologetically Christian, and unwaveringly committed to the flourishing of the Black community through addressing systemic inequities.

What Fellows Receive

  • Funding — Annual financial support for each year of the two-year fellowship

  • Training — Leadership development and a range of professional skills

  • Mentorship — A dedicated mentor matched to your field and experience, invested in your personal, professional, and spiritual growth

 
 

Consider making a donation today, so we can make the work of The Witness Foundation Fellows a reality. All donations are tax deductible.

Introducing our 2025-2027 Witness Fellows

Charlotte Crabbe

Cultivate Vibrance

Lora Smothers

Joy Village

WHO IS THE FELLOWSHIP FOR?

Black Christian leaders with creative vision who refuse to choose between their faith and their culture.

 

The Witness Fellowship welcomes Black Christian leaders involved in a variety of projects primarily focused on three core areas: Spirituality, Justice, and Awareness.‍ ‍

Past recipients have included those whose works include efforts to serve incarcerated people, develop theology from Black Christian perspectives, support Black mental health, increase Black literacy, or create startups such as podcasts, websites, magazines, and more.

Our Selection Process

Organizational Alignment

To deliver social impact at scale, we’re looking for leaders who have a mission for the margins and have already established their organizations. Black communities have historically experienced disparities in healthcare, criminal justice, voting equity, education, and spiritual development.

Capability for Growth

Persistence is our intention, never perfection. TWF is searching for organizations that know how to pivot when challenges arise and how to go high when resources are presented. We want to see your blueprints so they can be manifested with a solid foundation. 

Readiness for Acceleration

We are not an incubator, but we are here to make sure that justice is served for every Black-led organization by catalyzing their work and investing in an equal playing field. We’re looking for clear objectives of improvement where sustainability can thrive. 

Mentor the Next Generation

Transformation begins with relationship. We invite you to share your unique craft with a TWF Fellow to help launch their journey of transformation of professional development within sectors of social change.

This opportunity is voluntary and creates an opportunity for you or your business to partner with The Witness Inc.

Ask About Mentoring
 
 

Become a Mentor for the inaugural TWF Fellowship program to:

  • Give back to Black Christian leaders who help restore and uplift Black communities

  • Expose and dismantle systems that disenfranchise Black professionals in sectors of social good

  • Strengthen your community of mentors with colleagues from across the country

  • Share your professional network (influence)

  • Bring visibility to Black philanthropy