Applications are now open for the Ashoka-Carnegie Challenge 2026/2027 for Civic Leadership, an opportunity for young changemakers to receive funding, training, mentorship and access to a global community while developing projects that create positive change in their schools and communities.

The challenge is open to young people aged 20 or younger by January 31, 2027, who are living in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States or U.S. territories. Applicants should be leading a youth-driven project, participating in a youth-led organisation, or have an idea that could help address a challenge in their community. The project must be youth-led, with the primary project leader being under 20 years old, and applications must be submitted in English. Applicants aged 17 or younger in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa must have an adult assist them with the application, while applicants in the United States aged 12 or younger also require adult support.

Participants can access several opportunities for funding throughout the challenge. In Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, eligible applicants who submit their applications by October 10, 2026 may be selected for a $50 Civic Seed Grant, with 25 applicants from each country receiving the grant. In the United States, up to 600 eligible applicants who apply by November 17, 2026 may receive a $100 Civic Seed Grant.

The challenge will also provide larger awards to selected participants. In Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, 66 winners will be selected across the three countries, including 30 recipients of $250 Civic Promise Awards, 30 finalists receiving $1,000 Civic Impact Awards, and six Grand Prize winners receiving $5,000 Civic Leadership Awards. Participants receiving awards of $250 or more may also be considered for an in-person convening scheduled for the week of July 26, 2027. Thirty challenge winners will be invited to attend the convening in Kenya, with Ashoka covering eligible travel and participation costs, including airfare, accommodation, ground transportation and meals. Eligible participants under 18 may also receive support for a chaperone’s travel.

Beyond financial support, all eligible participants will have access to peer feedback through the challenge platform, opportunities to connect with other young changemakers, on-demand training, live support sessions and office hours. Participants may also have the opportunity to become certified as Ashoka Youth Venturers, gaining access to additional tools, resources and a growing international community of young people working to create positive change.

The final application deadline is January 31, 2027. Interested young changemakers are encouraged to apply early to take advantage of the available seed-funding opportunities and other support offered throughout the challenge.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity