At a glance
Where? 34 national offices with a global impact
impact : 3,600 change agents in 92 countries
SDG: 17
Ashoka is a U.S.-based, global NGO founded by Billy Drayton in 1981. Its changemaker network of 3,600 social entrepreneurs promotes social innovation by accelerating and incubating ideas and initiatives with a positive social impact.
Ashoka's mission is twofold:
1. Identify social entrepreneurs whose projects address the complex challenges facing global society in all sectors (health, environment, education, etc.), and support them in their endeavors.
2. Bring together players from all horizons, from civil society as well as the public and private sectors, to accelerate the emergence of new modes of action for the greater good of global society.
Ashoka focuses on four strategic priorities to help people understand and adapt to a world where “everyone can be a change agent”: social entrepreneurship, empathy development, youth development and organizing for change.
Ashoka offers a lifetime fellowship for outstanding social entrepreneurs. If selected, these innovators can benefit from a stipend of up to three years, personalized engagement opportunities, increased visibility and access to a global community of peers. Alongside the Fellowship, Ashoka runs the Ashoka Support Network, made up of change-makers who put their creativity, energy and connections to work for change. These supporters make a minimum contribution to Ashoka over a three-year period and liaise with the selected Fellows. Finally, the organization also recognizes a network of Changemaker schools that enable all students to become young people with the skills and confidence to change the world for the good of all.
The Ashoka mindset is accessible to everyone, whether a motivated citizen, a student, a researcher, a community or a company.
