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Conferences at the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center
FAQs | Application Requirements for the Conferences | Application Checklist
The Bellagio conference program provides space for framing debates on world issues, for translating theory into action and for devising creative responses to some of the most pressing issues of our time, especially those directed at alleviating poverty and vulnerability. The Foundation seeks applications from groups who are addressing significant issues and who expect the conference to generate innovative yet concrete outcomes.
Conferences must align with the Foundation’s mission to expand opportunities for poor or vulnerable people and to help ensure that globalization’s benefits are shared more widely. Details on the Foundation’s mission and philosophy can be found in the “About Us” section.
Most conferences are one-time events, but applications for a series of meetings are considered. However, the Foundation does not guarantee space for the full series of meetings. Each meeting in the series will be evaluated separately, with assessments of previous meetings a key factor in the decision to host subsequent meetings.
Conference organizers are encouraged to invite a gender-balanced and international mix of participants (especially from developing countries) when appropriate. Generally, no more than half the participants should be citizens of any one country.
The Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center operates two buildings for meetings; the smaller, more intimate building can accommodate up to 19 participants and the larger building, up to 23. Organizers may need to modify the number of participants invited due to the size limitations of available accommodations. Conferences are generally scheduled for five days or less, the first day being the day of arrival and the last day for departure.
Smaller groups working on intensive projects can be scheduled for more than six days if space permits.
Applications for routine or annual meetings of organizations or professional societies are not accepted.
Selection Process and Criteria
Decisions are based upon:- alignment with the Foundation’s mission,
- the timeliness of the convening,
- the conference design, preferably focused on outcomes,
- the questions posed and the approach used to address them,
- the potential impact,
- the mix of participants and perspectives,
- the qualifications of the conference organizer(s), and
- the suitability and value of the Center for the proposed convening.
Applications are reviewed by the senior program leadership of the Rockefeller Foundation, who make the final selection.
The Foundation provides room and board without charge for all meeting participants. Personal expenses (phone and fax, for example) are the individual’s responsibility. Most conference participants cover and arrange for their own travel, although assistance is available for those who meet the criteria below.
Conference leaders are welcome to apply to the Bellagio Fund for a grant to provide travel support for participants from developing countries. Details on applying for travel funds will be provided when the meeting has been scheduled.
Participants are provided with a private room (most with private bath) in one of three buildings on the grounds.
As a strict policy, accommodations are not offered to spouses/life partners of conference or team participants or to other family members, friends or pets.
High-speed Internet access is provided free of charge in each room and e-mail can also be accessed at various workstations. Participants may wish to bring their own laptops for more convenient access. Standard conference-center equipment is available — DVD player, fax machine, photocopy machine, printers, slide and LCD projectors, tape-recording equipment, VCR. Video conferencing is available in some meeting rooms.
Rooms are available for those with restricted mobility, and several of the buildings now include an elevator. Nonetheless, the hillside setting of the facility and the surrounding area restricts the mobility of persons who have difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
The Center is not equipped to provide medical services or assisted care. The nearest major hospital is in Lecco, a 40-minute drive away.
Q: When are the application deadlines?
A: Conference applications are now on a rolling admissions deadline. We suggest you apply six months in advance (but no more than nine). You may email us beforehand to check availability: bellagio_conf@rockfound.org. However, please note that we do not reserve space until after an application is accepted.
Q: Can we apply to hold a series of meetings at Bellagio?
A: Yes, series of meetings are possible. However, the Foundation does not guarantee space for the full series of meetings. Each meeting in the series will be evaluated separately, with assessments of previous meetings a key factor in our decision to host subsequent meetings.
Q: The meeting I am planning is several months away; do I have to submit a participant list now?
A: While we understand that participants cannot make firm commitments for a meeting that has not been scheduled, we encourage organizers to survey potential participants and ascertain interest, subject to convenient scheduling. The proposed list should be your “best estimate” of who will participate in the meeting. Once invited a confirmed list must be submitted 2 months prior to your meeting. The Foundation reserves the right to decline last minute changes.
Application Requirements for the Conferences
The application and documentation must be completed online in English.
Applicants must submit the application via the online application form (see link below).
A final decision will be made within 4-6 weeks of the submission date. The checklist below is helpful for the online application process.
top of the pageConference Application Checklist
During the online application process, the following documents will be required, and must be attached as Word or PDF documents:- A detailed conference proposal (five to 10 pages, succinct is best).
- A one-page summary of the expected outcomes and how the meeting’s success will be evaluated.
- A tentative agenda/work plan.
- A tentative participant list, including (in alphabetical order): last name, first name, gender, nationality, title, affiliation, and a one-sentence description of the likely contribution of the participant (please type surname in capital letters).
- Abbreviated career highlights CV for the principal organizer (who is the contact person) as well as for the other organizers, if any, highlighting previous experience in organizing international meetings or working in group situations and/or team problem solving, and any publications or achievements relevant to the proposed meeting (maximum 4 pages).
- If you’ve previously organized a conference at Bellagio: a one-to-two page summary of the outcomes of any Bellagio meeting related to the current proposal.
- If you are organizing the conference on behalf of an institution or university department, submit an official letter of request on your organization’s letterhead, signed by the head of your department or institution. (may be sent via post).
See sample. - If you or your conference is NOT affiliated with an institution, supply three references with knowledge of your project. They must be able to respond via email. Upon submission of a proposal, the online form will automatically email your references requesting an evaluation of the proposal (you will receive a copy of each letter of request.) We will only accept reference letters sent directly to the Bellagio Center Office; letters may not be submitted through the applicant.
Click here to begin your online application