Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center Convening Program 2027: Fully Supported Global Convenings for Changemakers Tackling the World’s Biggest Challenges

For more than six decades, the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center in Italy has hosted the conversations that shape global policy. Its 2027 Convening Program is now open to organisations — including African ones — that want to gather changemakers around a pressing global challenge.

What it is

The Bellagio Center Convening Program funds and hosts high-impact, one-week convenings at its lakeside campus in Bellagio, Italy. Organisations bring together leaders, researchers, policymakers and innovators to work intensively on health, food systems, energy, climate, finance or international development.

Key details

• Location: Bellagio, Italy (fully supported convening)
• Who it is for: organisations, institutions and partnerships proposing a convening
• Deadline: rolling (applications reviewed continuously)

Who can apply

Universities, NGOs, research networks and coalitions — including Ugandan and East African institutions — that can convene the right people to advance a concrete agenda.

Why it matters for Ugandans

Ugandan universities, NGOs and research networks rarely get this kind of supported, distraction-free convening space. A Bellagio convening can elevate an East African research agenda onto a genuinely global stage, with Rockefeller covering the hosting.

How to apply

Organisations submit a convening proposal through the Rockefeller Foundation's official portal, outlining the challenge, the participants and the expected outcomes.

Rate Musawo tip

Convenings are judged on the strength of the question and the calibre of participants — build a compelling agenda with named senior partners before you apply. See the official listing for the proposal form and guidance.