Programs

Our Future Founders Fellowship is an innovative initiative by PermaSolutions R&D designed to foster the next generation of leaders in sustainability and social enterprises. This program provides a comprehensive platform for participants to gain critical skills, hands-on experience, and mentorship in a supportive and dynamic environment.

- Skill Development and Training: The fellowship focuses on equipping participants with essential skills in data management, grant writing, policy development, project management, and prompt engineering for AI. These foundational skills prepare fellows to lead effectively in non-profit and social enterprise sectors.

- Hands-on Learning: Participants are encouraged to lead their own small projects, applying the skills they learn in real-time. This hands-on approach is central to the fellowship, providing practical experience in managing and executing projects from start to finish.

- Entrepreneurial Opportunities: The program offers resources and support for participants interested in taking their projects to the next level. Advanced workshops on business development, legal considerations for startups, and strategies for sustainable growth are provided, aiming to transition these initiatives into standalone enterprises.

- Mentorship and Guidance: Fellows receive mentorship from our Executive Director, Dana Hartt, who offers guidance in areas such as grant writing, data management, and the application of AI through prompt engineering. This mentorship is a cornerstone of the fellowship, ensuring participants have the support they need to succeed.

- Networking and Collaboration: The fellowship creates opportunities for fellows to connect with potential partners through events and online platforms. This networking is crucial for expanding their professional horizons and fostering collaborations that can amplify their impact.

- Building Future Leaders: Graduates of the Future Founders Fellowship emerge as skilled managers and innovators, ready to lead their own projects or enterprises. With a foundation in sustainable practices, they contribute to a variety of community-focused projects, thereby expanding PSRD's mission of social and environmental sustainability.

- Ongoing Engagement: After completing the fellowship, participants can join our Impact Weaver Partnership Program, providing ongoing opportunities for collaboration, learning, and impact. This integration into the broader PSRD network ensures that fellows continue to grow and contribute long after the fellowship ends.

By nurturing talent and fostering innovative thinking, the Future Founders Fellowship plays a crucial role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow, driving forward sustainable solutions and community-focused initiatives.

The Impact Weaver Partnership Program is a dynamic collaboration initiative developed by PermaSolutions R&D (PSRD) to enhance sustainability efforts through strategic partnerships. This program integrates partners at varying levels of engagement to amplify collective impact and drive forward PSRD’s mission of fostering environmental and social sustainability. Click here to read the PDF brochure.

Three Tiers of Partnership: The Impact Weaver Partnership Program is structured into three tiers: Impact Allies, Impact Builders, and Impact Leaders. Each tier represents a different level of engagement and commitment, allowing partners to contribute in ways that align with their capacities and strategic goals.

  - Impact Allies: This tier includes partners who offer minimal but significant support through donations, volunteering, or raising awareness about PSRD’s initiatives. Impact Allies provide flexible involvement without deep integration into PSRD’s projects. Click here for more information about the Impact Allies tier.

  - Impact Builders: Partners in this tier actively participate in the development and execution of sustainability projects. They offer resources, expertise, and financial support, thereby building capacity and enhancing project impact. Click for here more information about the Impact Builders tier.

  - Impact Leaders: These partners are deeply integrated into PSRD’s strategic planning and operations. They engage in joint ventures, major funding, and strategic partnerships, playing a crucial role in scaling and sustaining PSRD’s initiatives. Click here for more information about the Impact Leaders tier.

Transition and Growth: Organizations can transition between tiers based on their level of engagement and contributions. This fluidity allows for growth and deeper collaboration over time as partners increase their commitment or scale back as necessary, as well as accommodating organizations that have finished collaborating at a high level but wish to stay in touch.

Individual Participation: The program also welcomes individuals, especially those with expertise in areas like AI, IT, aquaponics, sustainable farming, or education. Individuals can join any tier and are treated as organizations of one person, contributing their unique skills and perspectives.

Mission and Vision: The Impact Weaver Partnership Program aims to increase the collective impact through shared resources, presenting an ecosystemic alternative to top-down approaches. It experiments with collaborative leadership in sustainability and weaves connections among local non-profits, fostering a unified network of like-minded entities. This collaborative approach seeks to multiply sustainability efforts and cultivate thriving Climate Action Leaders.

- Key Objectives:

  - Amplify collective impact by leveraging shared resources and expertise.

  - Develop frameworks for collaborative leadership and strategic alignment.

  - Weave a resilient network of partners committed to sustainability and social impact.

Through the Impact Weaver Partnership Program, PSRD not only enhances its projects' reach and effectiveness but also fosters a collaborative community dedicated to sustainable development and innovation. This program exemplifies PSRD’s commitment to building a sustainable future through strategic partnerships and community engagement.