About BHSI

The Bluhm/Helfand Social Innovation (BHSI) Fellowship at Chicago Ideas Week (CIW) recognizes social entrepreneurs, 35 years or younger, whose nonprofit and for-profit ventures tackle significant social challenges through innovative business models. Now in its seventh year, the BHSI Fellowship is committed to empowering entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds by providing them a platform for growth.

Fellows gain exposure to nationally-recognized business and civic leaders, establish a community of support with past Fellows, are awarded $10,000 in financial support toward their work and participate in CIW, a weeklong ideas festival featuring world-class speakers and thinkers, October 16-22, 2017.

Since its inception in 2011, the BHSI Fellowship – created by philanthropists and entrepreneurs Leslie Bluhm and David Helfand – has awarded more than $500,000 to the Fellows through contributions and in-kind services.

For more information, contact Julia Dilday at julia (at) chicagoideas.com

Key Dates:

• LATE JULY: Semifinalists notified
• FRIDAY, AUGUST 11 & SATURDAY, AUGUST 12: BHSI Semifinalist interviews in Chicago, including a group dinner with judges on Friday evening. To be considered for the Fellowship, applicants must be able to attend the in-person interviews. Travel expenses will be covered.
• MONDAY, AUGUST 21: Fellows announced
• MONDAY, OCTOBER 16 – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22: Chicago Ideas Week. Fellows must be present in Chicago October 15-20, with the option of participating through the 22nd. Travel expenses will be covered.