Founding To Give
the fellowship for entrepreneurs
The School for Moral Ambition (SMA) is partnering with Ambitious Impact (AIM) to launch the Founding to Give Program. We’re recruiting a small group of exceptionally talented startup founders and tech entrepreneurs who want to build high-growth companies — with a twist. From day one, they commit to donating at least 50% of their personal earnings when they eventually sell their company.
AIM is the organization described in Rutger’s book Moral Ambition as the “Hogwarts for Do-Gooders”, and has an outstanding track record of running impactful programs. SMA and AIM share a vision of cultivating morally ambitious individuals and launching initiatives that genuinely move the needle.
The program starts with an intensive one month cohort program, followed by two months during which you'll receive a stipend to cover living expenses as you build your company. You’ll also gain access to a valuable support network — including mentors, former founders, operators, and aligned capital. Join this highly selective group and become the next driver of change.
How the program works
Over the course of three months, you’ll join a highly selective cohort of exceptionally talented and value-aligned potential co-founders and start building a high-growth company that can generate impactful donations and drive meaningful change.
Selection
The application process consists of four stages: an initial application form, an introductory interview, a test task, and a final interview. We've streamlined the first round to be quick, only inviting candidates to the next phase if we believe they have strong potential to progress to the end. Our team reviews applications on a rolling basis, so if we’re excited to move forward, you’ll hear from us soon.
Pledge
The core of the program is a commitment to effective giving. Founders are asked to pledge to donate a portion of their personal earnings — 5% of earnings under a $1 million exit value and 50% of earnings over $1 million — when they sell their personal shares. We do not require donations from company profits or revenue.
Builder House
Our next cohort will begin on January 5th, 2026, with the first month hosted in person (location TBA). During this time, we cover your accommodation, travel, and living expenses, while you collaborate with high-potential cofounders to explore and validate potential ideas and problem spaces. This immersive experience will lay the foundation for your team’s next steps.
Remote
In months 2 and 3, the program transitions to a virtual-first format, allowing teams to continue building from the location that best supports their needs. During this phase, you'll narrow down the focus of your idea and team, before moving on to early market validation and gaining traction.
Community
The program works as a funnel, beginning with a wide range of ideas and potential teams, and gradually narrowing down to the most promising combinations. As teams and problem spaces solidify, support becomes more personalized, with 1 on 1 guidance from our team and mentors. You'll also gain access to a network of former founders, operators, and aligned capital, providing valuable resources to accelerate your progress.
Should you apply?
Commitment
The program requires a full-time commitment for 3 months, with a stipend provided for participants who need it. This support ensures you can dedicate your time and energy fully to impactful work without financial stress.
Experience
We’re seeking highly ambitious individuals in the early stages of founding a high-growth tech company — pre-team and pre-idea. We're looking for builders with technical expertise, entrepreneurial experience, or industry insights, who are committed to donating 50%+ of personal earnings from a potential future exit. The first application form is brief and will provide the best indication of whether this program is the right fit for you.
Practical
The program is open to eligible candidates worldwide. It begins with four weeks, in person intensive cohort program (location TBA), but if logistics pose a challenge, we offer flexibility for the right candidates. The remainder of the program will be remote.
For additional details on the program, visit Ambitious Impact’s website here.
