TIDEL Technology, Innovation & Digital Engagement Lab
The Technology, Innovation, and Digital Engagement Lab (TIDEL), housed at Union Theological Seminary, is excited to announce the opening of applications for our TIDEL Fellowship. This 12-month fellowship runs from October 1, 2025 – October 1, 2026, and is designed for leaders who are passionate about creating innovative solutions to pressing challenges.
We are seeking applicants interested in solving one of the following two problems:
1. Expanding Fundraising and Resource Development Capacity: Identify and leverage existing technology solutions to improve and increase fundraising efforts for these organizations. This area of focus could include new approaches to “development”as well as innovative revenue-generating opportunities.
2. Pursuing “Ethical” Technologies in Response to Digital Anxiety: Implement technologies that advance organizational priorities while also addressing concerns about trust, privacy, and bias. This could include organizations looking to launch a new technology, adapt an existing one, or transition from one to another.
*Please be aware that any short answer responses that exceeds the 350-word limit WILL NOT be reviewed as apart of your application.*
Design Thinking
We believe design thinking is crucial in driving innovation because it centers on understanding human needs and creatively solving problems through empathy, experimentation, and iteration. For faith-based organizations, this approach is especially important, as innovation, particularly when it involves technology, must be grounded in the lived experiences of the community and co-created with their members to address the widespread tech anxiety and distrust many people feel.
Innovating in Pairs
We believe that the work of innovation is best done in collaboration. We live out that ethic by having our fellows work in pairs. When you apply to this program, you will need to have identified a potential partner whom you can name and who will work with you. That partner does not necessarily have to be currently engaged with your organization, but they should be interested in getting involved with your organization as you undertake your project.
In-Person
Virtual
Yes, you may. Please note, however, that this is not a for-credit fellowship.
Preference is given to applicants who have taken a design thinking course. For those who have not taken a course, we have an opportunity for you in our application to explain your familiarity with design thinking.
You are permitted to apply without design thinking experience, but priority is given to those who have it.
Suggested course providers: Kwaray or Coursera.
Absolutely! We still encourage applications from residents of the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Twelve months: October 1, 2025 – October 1, 2026 with a culminating summit on October 1-3, 2026.
We believe this work is best done in collaboration. To that end, we require all applicants to name who their fellows partner would be. Each applicant must apply on their own, but they should list the name of their co-fellow.
Our fellows will gather three times throughout the program. Once October 3-5, 2025, to kick us off, again in the spring, April 13th-15, 2026 and then we culminate October 1st-3rd in New York City for our closing summit and cohort culmination.
Our TIDEL team consists of subject matter experts who function as coaches as well as TIDEL team leaders who guide fellows through each aspect of the fellowship program. You’re in good hands with this team. Learn more about our staff here.
Yes. We ask that your work is faith-based in scope, but all faith traditions are
welcomed.
Yes, you can still apply together. The partner without a design thinking certificate will need to mark that on their application, and we will invite them to be interviewed by our team so that we can assess their ability to pace well with the cohort.
Please feel free to contact us at [email protected].