Protecting Democracy,
Defending Secularism.
Our Mission
The Free Thought Fellowship Foundation is investing in the next generation of freethought leaders who are committed to protecting the secular character of our government.
Our Vision
Every American deserves the right to live their life in accordance with their own deeply held values and beliefs. We believe the constitutional separation of church and state is the best way to protect that right—by securing freedom of religion, thought, and conscience for all.
We celebrate the growing diversity of belief in America and are committed to defending our nation's proud tradition of secular governance rooted in individual liberty, critical inquiry, and freedom from the control of another belief system.
We stand against mounting efforts to advance religious nationalism and to weaponize religion to threaten the rights of all Americans—religious and nonreligious alike—to live as themselves and believe as they choose. We oppose extreme, dogmatic, and anti-science policies that aim to set us back and erode hard-won gains in civil rights, scientific advancement, and educational opportunity. This extremist movement is an existential threat to the very ideals that America was built upon, and it must be stopped before it's too late.
We are working towards a future in which our nation's laws and policies are rooted in reason, evidence, and compassion. Where our government reflects the full spectrum of religious and nonreligious perspectives in our country. Where science and expertise are upheld as essential tools for progress, public policy and general prosperity.
We envision a future where strong church-state guardrails ensure that no religion, sect or dogma supersedes the universal constitutional rights afforded to Americans of all faiths, and to the rapidly growing number of nonreligious Americans.
To help build this future, we are investing in our nation's next generation of public servants and professionals by equipping them with the skills, network, and experience to advance effective public policy, strengthen our democracy, and resist religious nationalism and authoritarianism in all their forms.
About the Fellowship
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Our Fellowship program equips professionals with the skills, network, and experience necessary to advance their public policy career.
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Fellows are provided networking and mentorship opportunities with a broad spectrum of subject matter experts and seasoned public policy practitioners. We also provide trainings and workshops to foster Fellows’ professional development.
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The Foundation provides Fellows with a full-time salary for 12 months. Participants must reside in or relocate to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, as Fellows will be assigned to a congressional office. Fellows are responsible for their own travel, housing, and other living expenses.
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Fellows will participate in regular meetings throughout the year. The Fellowship will conclude with an event in Washington, D.C. in which Fellows will prepare a presentation for the Foundation’s network, partners, and supporters about their work and experiences.
Apply Today
We are recruiting on a rolling basis for our inaugural Free Thought Fellowship opportunity.
We are seeking a mid-career professional with a background in policy, law, legislation, nonprofits or issue advocacy work. Candidates must demonstrate an interest in developing their policy career, a strong record of academic and professional achievement, and a commitment to protecting the secular character of our government.
Candidates not based in the Washington metro area must be willing to relocate at their own expense. Fellows are compensated $85–$95K to cover living expenses for one year, commensurate with experience.
The Free Thought Fellowship Foundation welcome all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, gender identity or sexual orientation.