The Ashoka-Carnegie Challenge 2026/2027 for Civic Leadership

The Ashoka-Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership is a fellowship supporting young changemakers aged 5–20 to develop and scale community-driven projects. Open to residents of Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the U.S., and U.S. territories, it offers seed funding, mentorship, and in-person convenings to amplify civic leadership. The program distinguishes between new ideas and existing projects, with funding tiers ranging from $50 USD to $10,000 USD, plus travel support for winners attending in-person gatherings in July 2027. Applicants must submit projects in English and demonstrate youth-led, community-focused innovation. Early applicants can receive Civic Seed Grants for new ideas, while finalists and winners gain access to Ashoka’s Youth Venture Certification and a network of global changemakers.

What it offers

• Multiple funding pathways: Seed grants for new ideas (up to $100 USD in the U.S., $50 USD in Kenya/Nigeria/South Africa), Civic Promise Awards, Civic Impact Awards, and Civic Leadership Awards (up to $10,000 USD).
• Peer feedback and mentorship: Online platform for collaboration, on-demand trainings, and live support sessions.
• Certification: Optional Ashoka Youth Venture Certification for project-driven participants.
• In-person convenings: Free travel and participation for winners in July 2027 (U.S. and Kenya).
• Community access: Network of young leaders and resources to sustain impact.

Who can apply

This fellowship is open to youth aged 5–20 living in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the U.S., or U.S. territories. Applicants must lead a youth-led project addressing a community challenge, with support from an adult required for those under 18 in Kenya/Nigeria/South Africa or under 13 in the U.S. Employees of Andrew Carnegie Foundation or Ashoka are excluded.

How to apply

1. Register for info sessions (live or recorded) to learn about the program and application requirements.
2. Submit a project proposal via the online platform, including:
   • A clear vision for positive change.
   • Evidence of mobilizing others (teamwork).
   • Creativity and adaptability in solving the challenge.
   • Progress toward impact (for existing projects).
3. Apply by the deadline (early: October 10, 2026, final: January 30, 2027).
4. Participate in optional feedback sessions (office hours) for personalized support.

Good to know

• Early applications (new ideas) can receive Civic Seed Grants by November 17, 2026 (U.S.) or October 10, 2026 (Kenya/Nigeria/South Africa).
• Winners of $250+ awards are invited to an in-person convening in their country.
• Travel costs (flights, accommodation, meals) are covered for eligible participants.
• Documentation: No explicit list of required documents, but applicants must submit a project proposal and meet residency/age criteria.