About
The Stanton Fellowship gives Los Angeles County leaders the time and support to explore big questions that matter for the future of the region.
We seek curious, creative thinkers and doers with deep knowledge of their field and strong connections across communities and sectors. Fellows are people who are well-positioned to identify and make headway on a big question facing Los Angeles County.
Each year, the Durfee Foundation selects up to six fellows who receive $100,000 over two years to explore bold questions and develop new ideas, approaches, or collaborations that could make a meaningful difference for communities in Los Angeles County. Funds are flexible and may be used to support the inquiry in a variety of ways, including travel, conferences or convenings, and research or consulting support.
This work is often difficult to pursue within the constraints of day-to-day responsibilities. The fellowship creates space for leaders to step back, think deeply, and explore new directions.
We favor adaptive strategies rather than technical fixes. The work may not follow a linear path and often involves both existing collaborators and new partners. It requires patience, perseverance, and flexibility as the inquiry evolves.
At the center of the experience is a cohort of fellows who learn alongside one another as part of a cross-disciplinary community. Through regular gatherings, fellows share insights from their work and deepen their understanding of Los Angeles County through one another’s perspectives. Fellows are also expected to share lessons from their inquiry with others in their field and network.
Participation requires a meaningful commitment of time and engagement. Fellows devote a minimum of three months of focused time to their inquiry over the two-year fellowship, taken in blocks of at least two weeks. They also participate in cohort gatherings, including three overnight retreats and regular day-long meetings.
Goals
- Enable Los Angeles leaders to pursue a sustained inquiry into a significant question affecting Los Angeles County.
- Cultivate a cross-disciplinary community of fellows who share insights from their work and expand their understanding of Los Angeles through diverse perspectives.
- Support fellows in generating insights and relationships that inform their work and influence their networks across Los Angeles.
How to Apply
The application cycle for Stanton is currently closed. The next cycle will open April 1st, 2026.
For any inquiries, please reach out to admin@durfee.org.
