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Watson Institute
Basecamp

Accelerating the impact through a Fellow-led 1 to 3 day community-focused event.

Arabia Simeon, 2024 Ford Philanthropy Fellow, and participants from her Basecamp “POGO’s launch party: Building a civic revolution in the Midwest”

Watson Institute envisions the Basecamp as an experience, by which Fellows grow their leadership skills, enhance their network, and receive valuable feedback by holding a 1-3 community-focused event.  Each Fellow receives training on how to craft a Basecamp for 30+ individuals, by using the Watson Institute resource guide and templates, as well as an additional stipend to kickstart their event planning.

Basecamp Benefits

Build Community

Basecamps foster community involvement and provide invaluable feedback to enhance ventures. Fellows can network, build skills, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Increase Venture Awareness

Basecamps raise awareness of Fellows’ ventures and boost their impact. They showcase work, engage with local experts, and build lasting partnerships.

Grow Leadership Skills

Basecamps enhance leadership and community capacity. Fellows can share their expertise and networks, creating opportunities for others to start their social impact journeys.

Potential Partnerships

Basecamps expand Fellows’ professional communities, connecting them with new mentors, guest speakers, and participants. They create spaces for building meaningful relationships and partnerships.

Our Journey of Impact

10,000+
Participants Reached
200 +
Basecamps Hosted
81
Countries Represented

How It Works

1

Step 1: Preparation and Planning

You will have support meetings, brainstorming sessions, and one-on-one mentoring with the Watson Institute’s team. You will receive a workbook, step-by-step guidance, resources, and a stipend.
2

Step 2: Conducting the Basecamp

Run your Basecamp in your area of impact. Engage with the community, network, and grow your venture through various interactive activities, and sessions.
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Step 3: See the Results and Make an Impact

Celebrate the outcomes of the Basecamp by leveraging connections and feedback to propel your future momentum.

Unforgettable Basecamp Moments

Choose Your Basecamp Path

Fellows can select from two different tracks (or a blended approach) to create their Basecamp Event:

1. Entrepreneur-Based Event

This track focuses on entrepreneurial development within the community. Fellows can organize events that support new entrepreneurs, middle-stage entrepreneurs, or those with established businesses aiming to scale. The goal is to foster growth and development among local entrepreneurs.

2. Venture Centered Event

This track allows Fellows to test how their venture or organization is perceived in the community. The event is specifically tailored to the Fellow’s venture, providing targeted feedback and opportunities to connect with thought leaders and network relevant to their venture.

What the Fellows are Saying

Sierra Boone

2024 Ford Philanthropy Fellow

“The willingness of child caregivers of all walks of life to come together in times of need was inspiring. I found that people are brimming with valuable insights, and all we need to do is ask. Engaging with others and learning from their wisdom and experiences can propel our community forward. Additionally, I realized just how much people crave meaningful in-person events, especially after the isolation brought on by the pandemic. Providing real value through live events is a powerful way to cultivate a loyal audience.”

Dominique Edwards

2024 Truist Foundation Fellow

“Many participants attended the event, including community leaders, community elders, professional chefs, activists, educators, political decision-makers, urban and rural farmers, youth, and more. As a leader, I learned that everyone who intends to support these types of events will show up and do everything in their power and ability to support you the best they can.”

Francis Obanijesu

2023–2024 Western Union Foundation Fellow

“We had 4 impactful sections targeting different audiences, college students, undergraduates, entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs,  stakeholders and community builders. These 4 sessions hosted over 1200 people altogether onsite, and we made 5 reasonably large partnerships: Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso, the item7go Eatery, The Directorate of Entrepreneurship in Lautech Ogbomoso, the Office of the Vice Chancellor, and studio24.”

A Collection of Basecamp Video Highlights from Around the World

Samantha Basecamp Impact Highlights | 0:22

2023 Truist Foundation Fellow.

Francis Obanijesu Basecamp Impact Highlight | 4:14

2023 Western Union Foundation Fellow.

Carla Rivero Basecamp Impact Highlights | 0:58

2023 Rising Leaders of Mexico Fellow.

Worldwide Presence

Watson Alumni Map
Fellows have successfully
organized Basecamps in more
than 81 countries,
making a global impact.