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UTS TIDEL FELLOWS 2025/2026 Application

Call for Applications: TIDEL Fellowship (2025-2026)

The Technology, Innovation, and Digital Engagement Lab (TIDEL), housed at Union Theological Seminary, is excited to announce the opening of applications for our TIDEL Fellowship. This 12-month fellowship runs from October 1, 2025 – October 1, 2026, and is designed for leaders who are passionate about creating innovative solutions to pressing challenges.

We are seeking applicants interested in solving one of the following two problems:

1. Expanding Fundraising and Resource Development Capacity: Identify and leverage existing technology solutions to improve and increase fundraising efforts for these organizations. This area of focus could include new approaches to “development”as well as innovative revenue-generating opportunities.

2. Pursuing “Ethical” Technologies in Response to Digital Anxiety : Implement technologies that advance organizational priorities while also addressing concerns about trust, privacy, and bias. This could include organizations looking to launch a new technology, adapt an existing one, or transition from one to another.

APPLICATION PREREQUISITES
I. Applicants should have at least an intermediate level of proficiency with technology.
II. Applicants must apply in pairs. Each individual in the pair will submit their own application but the problem they’re looking to respond to will be shared by their TIDEL applicant partner.
III. A background in design thinking is highly valued, and priority will be given to those who can demonstrate experience or certifications in this area.

Design Thinking Prerequisites:
If you’re interested in taking a design thinking course before applying, Kwaray is offering TIDEL applicants a discount code for their design thinking course. Kwarway. Coursera is another platform that offers design thinking courses as well.

*Please be aware that any short answer responses that exceeds the 350 word limit WILL NOT be reviewed as apart of your application*

1.Name(Required.)
2.Name of Co-Fellow(Required.)
3.Email(Required.)
4.Phone Number(Required.)
5.Which Focus Area Are You Applying For?(Required.)
6.What is the problem you are trying to solve through this fellowship and why is it a problem worth solving? *Responses outside of the 350 word limit will not be read*
(Required.)
7.What do you know about the problem and what more do you need to find out?
*Responses outside of the 350 word limit will not be read*(Required.)
8.What is your idea for solving this problem & Why do you think it will work?
*Responses outside of the 350 word limit will not be read*(Required.)
9.What technology do you already use within your organization?
*Responses outside of the 350 word limit will not be read*(Required.)
10.What are the biggest barriers facing your organization? (adaptability, access, distrust of tech, surveillance, etc.)
*Responses outside of the 350 word limit will not be read*(Required.)
11.What resources would you need (financial, human, etc.) to effectively attempt to solve your problem?
*Responses outside of the 350 word limit will not be read*(Required.)
12.Do you have any experience in design thinking?(Required.)
13.If you answered yes, please clarify how formal your training is in design thinking.(Required.)
14.Please name the design thinking course you've taken and the institution/organization that offered the course.
*Responses outside of the 350 word limit will not be read*
15.If your design thinking training is informal, please share how you have used design thinking in your own work.
*Responses outside of the 350 word limit will not be read*(Required.)
16.Insert the name of the partner you are applying with.(Required.)
17.Insert the name of the organization you represent.(Required.)
18.City & State(Required.)
19.Is there anything else you would like us to know about your application?
*Responses outside of the 350 word limit will not be read*(Required.)