VCM+ Fellows Overview

The VCM+ Coalition is launching the VCM+ Fellows Program—a new initiative to spotlight and support leaders shaping the future of high-integrity carbon markets.

The future of carbon markets depends on who is at the decision-making table. This program is designed to expand and strengthen global leadership—ensuring that diverse expertise, perspectives, and lived experience help guide the next phase of market development.

Fellows will play an active role in advancing the VCM+ Action Agenda and shaping Coalition priorities at a pivotal moment for the market.

Over the course of the one year fellowship, Fellows:

• Advance priority workstreams of the VCM+ Action Agenda

• Shape VCM+ Coalition strategy and decision-making

• Engage across global convenings, partnerships, and dialogues

• Lead discourse and contribute thought leadership

We are seeking a diverse cohort of 10–20 fellows from across the carbon market ecosystem, including scientists and technical experts, practitioners and project developers, community leaders and IPLC representatives, legal, policy, and governance experts, financiers and investors, educators and communicators and more. 

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We are seeking a group of fellows whose work aligns with the VCM+ Guiding Principles and advances the VCM+ Action Agenda.

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The Fellows Program is grounded in the shared set of principles that guide how the Coalition approaches market reform and scale:

• Science and Integrity Come First

• Equity is Non-Negotiable

• Build Trust Through Transparency

• Reform Systems, Not Symptoms

• Collaborate to Scale

• Act with Urgency and Purpose
   

Fellows may bring expertise across one or more of the VCM+ Coalition Pillars.

VCM+ Fellows will have access to:
 

• Global Platform — Advance work of the Coalition in collaboration with 100+ leading carbon market organizations

• Strategic Influence — Help shape the direction and priorities of the VCM+ Coalition

• Amplification — Support for publications, speaking, and thought leadership

• Peer Network — Collaborate with a diverse global cohort

• Capacity Building — Media training and tools to scale your work

Fellows are selected based on:

• Demonstrated experience and impact aligned with VCM+ priorities

• Strength of expertise across one or more pillars

• Commitment to collaboration and active participation

• Contribution to a diverse and representative cohort

Selection is conducted through a combination of targeted outreach and an open application process. The open application process will focus on identifying leaders from the Global South and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).