The Opposite of Loneliness Fellowship

Make a difference

Make a difference

In celebration of the publication of the expanded anniversary edition of Marina Keegan’s book, The Opposite of Loneliness we are creating an annual fellowship to empower young people who choose to make a difference to this world.

The 2026 Opposite of Loneliness Fellowship is a grant awarded to a young person between the ages of 15-25 to support their vision with annual funding up to $5000.00 available to fertilize the power of the individual to make a difference. The fellowship recognizes, supports, and encourages young people’s power to manifest change through the choices they make.

So what does this mean? It’s simple. The Opposite of Loneliness fellowship serves to empower young people with a vision and a passion to ‘make a difference to this world’. Tell us about the change you want to make in the world and how you will do it in a brief proposal and a short video.

How to Apply

The Fellowship has an easy two-step application process. Any interested applicant  (ages 15-25) may submit a preliminary proposal.

Preliminary applications : please submit a brief application here by July 25th, 2026, 11:59PM EST.

Full Application: If the committee selects you as a finalist, you will be invited to submit a full application. Beyond additional information on your project, you will be asked to submit two letters of reference and a proposed budget. 

Please Note: The Fellowship award is subject to taxation and the recipient will receive a 1099 for the tax year it was granted

Apply here

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any additional questions, please contact fellowship@marinakeegan.com.

  • We seek various projects that aim to "make a difference in the world." We broadly define “making a difference” as participating in any sort of social activism including, but not limited to, work in the realms of politics, art, writing or other forms of communication and environmental action. Learn about our previous winners here!

  • Some questions to consider are:

    • What do you propose to do? Why? How will this make a difference to the world? Who does this project serve? How will the funds support your vision ?

    • How do your past projects or experiences qualify you to undertake this project?

    • Preliminary Application Deadline: July 25, 2026, 11:59 PM EST.

    • Full Application Invites Sent Out: Week of August 25, 2026. 

    • Full Applications Deadline: October 25, 2026, 11:59 PM EST.

    • Awardee Announced: December 2026.

  • You must be between 15 and 25 years old when you initially apply. If you turn 26 before the award is announced, you can still qualify as long as you were 25 when you first applied.

  • Yes. The Fellowship award is subject to taxation and the recipient will receive a 1099 for the tax year it was granted.