Applications for the next generation of Clore Social Leaders will open on 16 April, and those working internationally for a UK-based organisation will be welcomed for the first time.

The Clore Social Leadership Programme, which seeks to identify and nurture the aspiring leaders in the civil society sector, is entering its fourth year of applications.

Dame Mary Marsh, founding director of the programme said it is more necessary than ever:

"Now is the time for strong, authentic and values-based leadership in the social sector. We need leaders who can learn from best practice across the UK and internationally, and who can work with and through others to drive and manage fast-paced, relentless change.

"The Clore Social Leadership Programme builds the capacity and resilience of individuals and the sector as a whole to make an effective contribution to meet the challenges of growing social need through the continued economic uncertainty."

Following an initial investment by the Clore Duffield Foundation, it has since received sponsorship from a number of organisations including the RNIB, Nesta and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation which fund specialist fellowships. 

Up to 20 prospective fellows, who will be announced in October, will be welcomed on to the programme for 2013, many of whom will enter specialist fellowships. They will begin in January with a one-week residential introduction. Successful applicants will complete the fellowship over 12 - 24 months on a full or part-time basis, with bursaries of up to £15,000 available to employers and £20,000 for individuals who are not employed. 

Graduated fellows include Rowena Lewis, who is a stalwart campaigner for women's rights in the sector and was recently appointed as director of fundraising at Gingerbread, a charity for single parents, following six months working on the Philanthropy Review as a secondment from her fellowship. 

Jow Ludlow was a 2010 Clore Social Fellow and is currently director of social ventures at Nesta.