Ashoka invests in people. It is a global non-profit organization that searches the world for social entrepreneurs—extraordinary individuals with unprecedented ideas for change in their communities. Ashoka identifies and invests in these social entrepreneurs when no one else will. It does so through stipends and professional services that allow “Ashoka Fellows” to focus fulltime on their ideas for leading social change in education and youth development, health care, environment, human rights, access to technology and economic development.

Ashoka first began electing leading social entrepreneurs to its global fellowship in 1982. Today the fellowship comprises more than 1,800 leading social entrepreneurs in 44 countries. All Ashoka funds are privately raised from individual donors and private or corporate charitable foundations.

Ashoka’s value, especially as a global fellowship, depends on its ability to elect social entrepreneurs with the most powerful new ideas and potential for large scale impact. In reviewing candidates, Ashoka applies five criteria.

• Criterion 1: A new idea/solution
• Criterion 2: Creativity
• Criterion 3: Entrepreneurial Quality
• Criterion 4: Social Impact of the Idea
• Criterion 5: Ethical Fiber

83% of Ashoka fellows continue to work with their idea
82% have been able to replicate their idea
71% of Ashoka fellows have been able to achieve change

Gaston Wright