Rockefeller Foundation Announces 2026 Bellagio Center Residencies and Opens Call for 2027

The 2026 class joins more than 5,000 changemakers from over 140 countries making an impact since 1959.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 5:37am

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The Rockefeller Foundation today announced that 87 leaders from six continents are joining the Bellagio Center Residency Program's 2026 Class, and it opened a call for applications for 2027 residencies. The 2026 Class joins a program that has hosted more than 5,000 trailblazers and changemakers from over 140 countries, including 18 Nobel Laureates, since 1959. The Bellagio Center Residency offers uninterrupted work time, collaboration, and interdisciplinary exchange to address global challenges.

Why it matters

The Bellagio Center Residency Program has brought global leaders together for nearly 70 years to connect, collaborate, and create breakthrough solutions that change the world. The 2026 class represents the breadth and depth of leadership needed to address pressing global challenges and help communities flourish.

The details

The 2026 class will advance critical work across multiple disciplines including transforming food systems, reimagining health, advancing economic opportunity, addressing climate change, shaping the AI and technology landscape, strengthening democracy and civic engagement, and amplifying voices through art and storytelling. The Rockefeller Foundation is also accepting expressions of interest for 2027 residencies, focusing on areas like universal energy abundance, food systems and nutrition, economic mobility, health, AI for good, catalytic finance, and climate and development.

  • The 2026 Bellagio Center Residency Program class was announced on March 4, 2026.
  • The call for applications for 2027 residencies is open from today through March 20, 2026, 5:00pm EST.

The players

Natalye Paquin

Chief Operating Officer at The Rockefeller Foundation.

Eason Jordan

Senior Vice President for Connected Leaders at The Rockefeller Foundation.

Sarah Geisenheimer

Vice President of Convenings & Networks at The Rockefeller Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“The 2026 Bellagio Center residents represent the breadth and depth of leadership needed to address our most pressing global challenges and help communities flourish.”

— Natalye Paquin, Chief Operating Officer

“Each year, we are humbled by the caliber of leaders who come to Bellagio—and the 2026 class is no exception. These residents are not just advancing their individual projects; they're building bridges across disciplines, geographies, and perspectives, and building solutions that will shape our collective future.”

— Eason Jordan, Senior Vice President for Connected Leaders

“For more than 65 years, The Bellagio Center has been a crucible for transformative ideas and lasting partnerships. We invite visionary leaders from around the world to apply and join this extraordinary community of changemakers committed to building a more equitable and sustainable future.”

— Sarah Geisenheimer, Vice President of Convenings & Networks

What’s next

The call for applications for 2027 Bellagio Center Residencies is open from today through March 20, 2026, 5:00pm EST.

The takeaway

The Rockefeller Foundation's Bellagio Center Residency Program continues to attract and support a diverse array of global leaders and changemakers committed to addressing the world's most pressing challenges and creating lasting, positive impact in communities around the world.