Ashoka is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., founded in 1980 by Bill Drayton. Its mission centers on identifying and supporting individuals with innovative solutions to social challenges, known as social entrepreneurs. The organization derives its name from Emperor Ashoka the Great, a historical figure renowned for championing tolerance and social welfare after unifying India in the third century BC. Ashoka operates offices in 35 countries and has selected nearly 3,800 fellows across 90 countries since its inception.
Rather than funding projects directly, Ashoka offers its fellows a financial stipend, tailored to local living costs, enabling them to fully commit to developing their ideas for up to three years. The organization also provides mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to a global network of peers and supporters. Fellows are expected to move their solutions toward institutional self-sufficiency and broader systemic change. According to Ashoka, more than 80% of fellows with ventures older than five years have seen their solutions adopted by others, and 59% have influenced national policy.
Ashoka’s portfolio spans education, healthcare, environment, human rights, technology access, and economic development. Recent initiatives include the Ashoka Visionary Program, which over the past decade has fostered collaboration and amplified the impact of over 300 participants from 25 countries. A current example features German fellow Dr. Maximilian Oehl, whose work combats extremist propaganda online and advocates for digital inclusion. Ashoka is funded by donations from individuals, foundations, and business entrepreneurs, maintaining a secular and politically neutral stance.