Applications Now Open for the 2026-2027 Fellowship Year

The Religious Freedom Fellowship is seeking an inaugural cohort of rising Canadian leaders committed to combating discrimination against Jews and Christians in Canada. Competitively selected fellows will engage in a yearlong program involving taking action to promote the freedom to live, work, and worship without fear.

The Religious Freedom Fellowship is seeking an inaugural cohort of rising Canadian leaders committed to combating discrimination against Jews and Christians in Canada and abroad. Competitively selected fellows will engage in a yearlong program involving taking action to promote the freedom to live, work, and worship without fear.

During the fellowship year, each fellow will be expected to execute either 1-2 large projects or several small projects. Examples of possible projects during the Action Year include:

writing an op-ed in response to an antisemitic or anti-Christian incident
organizing a group of Christians to protect a Jewish place of worship
getting a community out to restore a church that has been vandalized or desecrated
mounting a rapid response to a local hate-motivated incident
providing live, on-the-scene updates about a hate crime in your area
arranging meetings with politicians and political staff to inform them about discrimination
launching a campaign or petition
doing outreach to journalists and citizen journalists to report on hate-motivated crimes
presenting at high schools and universities about antisemitism or anti-Christian persecution
educating non-Jewish and non-Christian communities about these issues

Timeline:

Applications Open: February 1, 2026

Priority Consideration Deadline: April 1, 2026
Final Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

Interviews: June 2026
Notification of Selection: July 1, 2026
Program Begins: August 2026

Online Sessions and Action Year: September 2026-June 2027

(First Wednesdays of each month from 8:00-9:30 p.m. ET)

Fellows will receive a $5,000 stipend, $1,000 upon acceptance to the program and $4,000 upon its successful completion with the fulfillment of the project(s).

Training and Community:

Participation in a yearlong Signal groupchat to build community and monitor incidents of antisemitism and anti-Christian persecution in Canada
Training webinars with speakers who are experts in domestic and international religious freedom
Recommended books and videos to become a better ambassador for religious freedom
Mentorship in fulfilling your project(s) during the Action Year and reporting back

Eligibility:

This fellowship is open to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents between ages 18-35 with a demonstrated interest in religious freedom.

Preference will be given to applicants who have:

Strong writing skills with the ability to quickly produce professional news and commentary
Excellent interpersonal skills and a track record of building coalitions
Proven experience running an election or issue-based campaign
Knowledge of civil liberties, free speech, and faith-based issues

Apply Now

Amanda Achtman

The Program Director

Amanda Achtman serves as the program director for the Religious Freedom Fellowship. She holds degrees in political science, philosophy, and Judaic Studies & Jewish Christian Relations.

Questions

Why is this fellowship focused on Jews and Christians?RFF Webdev2026-01-29T09:03:05-05:00

Why is this fellowship focused on Jews and Christians?

Jews and Christians are largely responsible for advancing the principle of religious freedom in the West. However, the very communities that bequeathed this tradition are increasingly under threat in the countries that have most benefitted from it. Antisemitic hate crimes and Christian persecution in Canada don’t just threaten Jews and Christians; they undermine the foundations of a free and prosperous society altogether. Through this program, fellows will become more knowledgeable about the challenges facing Canadian Christian and Jewish communities and become empowered to take the action required to address them.

Can I apply if I’m not Jewish or Christian?RFF Webdev2026-01-29T09:03:22-05:00

Can I apply if I’m not Jewish or Christian?

Yes. We welcome any applicants with a demonstrated interest in: 1) combating antisemitism and anti-Christian persecution in Canada, and 2) promoting the freedom to live, work, and worship without fear.

What is the time commitment of this fellowship?RFF Webdev2026-01-29T09:03:42-05:00

What is the time commitment of this fellowship?

Fellows will convene virtually 10 times throughout the fellowship year on the first Wednesday of the month from September 2026 to June 2027 at 8:00-9:30 p.m. ET to listen to guest lecturers, discuss assigned readings, and engage in facilitated discussion with one another.

Aside from that, fellows are responsible for implementing their action project(s) either individually or in cooperation with other fellows throughout the year. The fellowship is meant to be done alongside other work or studies while still being given due attention and commitment.

What are the benefits of the fellowship?RFF Webdev2026-01-29T09:04:01-05:00

What are the benefits of the fellowship?

Fellows will become part of a competitively selected cohort of engaged Canadians from across the country. While the program is conducted remotely, fellows will interact with each other and with inspiring guest speakers through virtual meetings. There is also a groupchat throughout the year to build community and stay in touch on religious freedom issues in Canada. Religious Freedom Program Fellows will receive mentorship and direction in fulfilling their action project and will be the first to hear about additional opportunities. Finally, those who successfully fulfill the program requirements will also receive a $5,000 stipend.