abhishek kumarMar 22, 2026

Impact Leaders & Entrepreneurs Fellowship (ILEF): 2026–27

Impact Leaders & Entrepreneurs Fellowship (ILEF)

(Creating Shared Value Programme by U-Turn4Nature)

#100MillionWomen

2026–27

Are you a young professional with a dream to create meaningful change in society?
Do you want to work not just as an employee, but with the freedom, ownership, and responsibility of a founder?
Do you aspire to become an impact leader and an impact entrepreneur while working directly with communities on the ground in rural India?

If yes, then U-Turn4Nature and associated organisation invite you to join our Fellow Programme 2026–27.

“This is not a stipend- or salary-based programme, nor a substitute for a job opportunity. It is a platform for individuals who aspire to build themselves as leaders and entrepreneurs while creating real impact on the ground.

We seek individuals who have a future-oriented vision to do something innovative and exceptional, and who possess a strong problem-solving attitude in the social impact domain. Upon successful completion, fellows may become our partners in change or go on to start their own ventures based on their ideas.”

This fellowship is specially designed for fresh professionals, young graduates, and early-career individuals who have the passion to bring innovation into the social sector and the courage to build solutions for real grassroots challenges.

About U-Turn4Nature

U-Turn4Nature is a flagship initiative of DNR Foundation, created to build sustainable livelihoods for rural women by promoting natural, homemade, and community-based enterprises. The mission is to empower women-led businesses through skill development, production support, branding, market linkage, and enterprise incubation pan India.

Our long-term vision is to create a large-scale ecosystem of women-led impact enterprises across India.

U-Turn4Nature is a flagship initiative of DNR Foundation, a purpose-driven organisation and a grassroots-led startup working to promote natural, homemade food and grocery products while empowering rural women across India. Rooted in community-based enterprise, the initiative collaborates with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the NRLM, NULM, Women Cooperatives, and Women FPOs.

The organisation enables rural women—especially from marginalized communities—to produce high-quality, traditional food products using time-tested methods. These products reflect the authenticity and diversity of regional Indian cuisines while ensuring purity, nutrition, and affordability for consumers. Through this model, U-Turn4Nature creates sustainable livelihood opportunities, ensures dignified incomes, and strengthens local economies.

At its core, U-Turn4Nature is committed to building an ecosystem where women are not just producers but active contributors to economic growth and social transformation. By supporting SHGs and community-based institutions, the organisation promotes inclusive development and fosters a sense of ownership and self-reliance among women.

The impact extends beyond income generation. It contributes to improved living standards, enhanced confidence, and stronger community networks. At the same time, U-Turn4Nature ensures fair practices, authenticity and environmentally responsible production across its value chain.

By choosing U-Turn4Nature, consumers become part of a larger movement—supporting women’s economic independence, sustainable practices, and authentic homemade products.

With the belief that grassroots enterprise can drive national transformation, U-Turn4Nature stands as a model of resilience, innovation, and community-led development—connecting rural producers directly with markets. “Ab Homemade Khayega India.” #100MillionWomen

About the Fellow Programme

The Fellow Programme is not just a job opportunity; it is a leadership journey. It is meant for young professionals who are willing to step out of their comfort zone and work closely with rural communities, women entrepreneurs, Self Help Groups (SHGs), producer groups, and local stakeholders.

This programme offers a unique platform where fellows will get the flexibility to work with a founder’s mindset—taking initiative, solving problems independently, testing ideas, creating models, and contributing directly to organizational and self-growth.

The programme has designed to groom fellows as future impact leaders and impact entrepreneurs. Fellows will not only learn how development projects run, but also how sustainable social enterprises are built from the ground up.

This is an ideal opportunity for individuals who possess:

An innovative mindset
Enterprising acumen
A problem-solving attitude with zero excuses
A passion for grassroots development
A willingness to build and lead change

Total Seat: 55

What Makes This Fellowship Special

At U-Turn4Nature, we believe that young professionals should not be limited to routine assignments. They should be encouraged to think, create, experiment, and lead.

Therefore, this fellowship provides:

1. Founder-like Work Flexibility

Fellows will get the opportunity to work with a high level of ownership and responsibility. They will be encouraged to think beyond assigned tasks, identify gaps, develop solutions, and contribute ideas like a founder building an institution.

2. Grooming as Impact Leaders

The programme will help fellows develop leadership qualities required to work in the social development sector, including team coordination, field planning, stakeholder management, communication, and decision-making.

3. Exposure as Impact Entrepreneurs

Fellows will gain practical exposure in building livelihood models, supporting women-led enterprises, understanding local value chains, and designing scalable community-driven business solutions.

4. Space for Innovation

We are looking for individuals who do not simply follow instructions but bring fresh ideas, creative thinking, and innovative approaches to solve social and livelihood challenges.

5. Enterprising Acumen

The fellowship is best suited for those who have the instinct to build, initiate, and grow. Candidates with an entrepreneurial bent of mind, confidence to take responsibility, and ability to turn ideas into action will thrive in this programme.

Roles and Responsibilities

Selected fellows will work in different thematic and field areas depending on project needs. Their responsibilities may include:

Mobilizing and supporting rural women entrepreneurs, SHGs, and community groups
Assisting in skill development, training, and capacity-building programmes
Supporting production, packaging, branding, and market linkage initiatives
Coordinating with village institutions, local leaders, and stakeholders
Conducting field visits, surveys, documentation, and reporting
Identifying grassroots challenges and suggesting practical solutions
Supporting project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation
Assisting in planning, building and strengthening women-led micro enterprises
Promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and livelihood opportunities at the village level
Representing the mission and values of the organization in the field with dedication and professionalism

Who Should Apply

We are looking for fresh undergraduate, graduates, postgraduates, and early-career professionals who are passionate about working in the development sector and willing to build a long-term journey of impact.

Candidates from the following backgrounds may apply:

BBA/MBA / PGDM
MSW / Social Work
Rural Management
Development Studies
Agriculture / Agri-business
Entrepreneurship
Sociology / Economics / Humanities
Any other discipline with strong interest in social impact

Preferred Age

18Y~24Y

Desired Qualities

The ideal candidate should have:

Strong commitment towards women empowerment and rural development
Willingness to work in field and rural locations
A founder-like attitude with ownership and accountability
Desire to grow as an impact leader and social entrepreneur
Innovative mindset and openness to learning
Enterprising acumen and action-oriented thinking
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Basic knowledge of Hindi; English communication will be an added advantage
Ability to adapt, collaborate, and work in challenging environments

Location

Field and remote project locations across Uttar Pradesh, HP, Uttarakhand, MP, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and other operational areas of DNR Foundation / U-Turn4Nature associated organisation ecosystem.

Duration

6 months to 12 months, extendable based on performance, commitment, and project requirements.

Benefits of the Fellowship

This Fellowship is designed for individuals who are driven by purpose, passion, and a long-term vision to create impact, rather than short-term monetary gains.

Zero Fee Programme – There is no participation fee. The only investment required is your time, commitment, and dedication.
Travel & Field Support – Accommodation, travel and field-related expenses will be covered as per organizational norms, ensuring smooth execution of on-ground responsibilities.
Strong Foundation for Leadership & Entrepreneurship – Build a solid base for your journey as an impact leader and social entrepreneur, with real-world exposure and responsibilities.
Founder-like Experience – Work with ownership, take initiatives, and develop the mindset required to build and lead ventures, not just execute tasks.
Deep Grassroots Immersion – Gain firsthand understanding of rural ecosystems, community dynamics, and livelihood challenges through intensive field engagement.
Hands-on Learning in Social Enterprise Building – Work on real models involving women-led enterprises, value chains, production systems, and market linkages.
Mentorship & Guidance – Learn directly from experienced practitioners and leaders working in rural development and enterprise creation.
Opportunity to Build Your Own Impact Venture – Fellows demonstrating strong capability and commitment will be supported and guided to initiate their own livelihood or social enterprise models.
Recognition & Certification – Receive a Fellowship Certificate acknowledging your contribution, learning, and commitment to social impact.
Pathway to Long-term Association – High-performing fellows may be offered opportunities for long-term leadership roles, partnerships, or incubation support within the U-Turn4Nature and associated organisation ecosystem.

Why Join This Programme

This fellowship is for those who want more than a conventional career path. It is for those who want to:

Learn directly from grassroots realities
Work with real communities and create measurable impact
Build leadership skills through field experience
Develop entrepreneurial thinking in the social sector
Become part of a mission to transform rural livelihoods and women’s enterprises in India
Grow personally and professionally while contributing to nation-building

How to Apply

Interested candidates may send: