Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership 2026/2027 Offers Up to $5,000
Young Nigerians with innovative ideas for solving community problems can apply for the Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership 2026/2027.
This initiative offers grants of up to $5,000 to support youth-led projects that promote civic engagement and drive positive social change.
Organised by Ashoka Changemakers with support from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, the challenge invites young people to develop new ideas or strengthen existing initiatives addressing issues in their schools and communities.
The programme is open to eligible young people aged 5 to 20 living in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, the United States and US territories. The final application deadline is January 31, 2027.
About the Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership
The Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership aims to encourage young people to become active problem-solvers in their communities. It recognises that meaningful change can begin with a young person identifying a challenge, bringing others together and developing a practical solution.
Applicants do not necessarily need to have an established organisation or a fully operational project. Young people with promising new ideas can also participate, provided their proposals demonstrate a clear vision for change and the potential to mobilise others.
The challenge focuses on youth leadership, creativity, teamwork and the ability to make a meaningful difference in society.
Funding and Benefits
Successful participants can receive financial awards at different stages of the competition, alongside learning opportunities and access to a network of young changemakers.
For applicants in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, the advertised awards include:
Civic Promise Award: $250 for selected winners.
Civic Impact Award: $1,000 for selected finalists.
Civic Leadership Award: $5,000 for grand prize winners.
Across the three African countries, the organisers plan to select 66 award recipients, with the awards distributed equally among the countries.
Eligible early applicants with new ideas who submitted by October 10, 2026, could also be considered for a $50 Civic Seed Grant. This early-entry deadline has passed, but the main challenge remains open until January 31, 2027.
Additional benefits include access to training resources, peer feedback, live support sessions and opportunities to connect with other young people working to improve their communities. Selected award recipients may also be considered for an in-person gathering in Kenya in July 2027, with eligible travel and participation expenses covered under the programme’s terms.
Who Can Apply?
The challenge is open to young people who meet the following requirements:
Age: Applicants must be between 5 and 20 years old by January 31, 2027.
Location: Applicants must reside in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, the United States or a US territory.
Youth leadership: The proposed initiative must be youth-led, with the young applicant taking a leading role.
Language: Applications must be submitted in English.
Adult support: Applicants aged 18 or younger in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa must have adult support and the required parental or guardian consent.
Applicants do not have to be citizens of an eligible country, provided they meet the residency requirements. Employees of Ashoka and the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, as well as their children and grandchildren, are excluded from the competition.
What Types of Projects Are Eligible?
The challenge welcomes ideas and initiatives that address meaningful issues affecting schools and communities.
Eligible projects may focus on education, environmental sustainability, community health, social inclusion, youth participation in decision-making or other local challenges.
Applicants should explain the problem they want to solve, the people affected, their proposed solution and how they intend to involve others in achieving positive change.
Both new ideas and existing projects can be considered. Applicants with established initiatives should demonstrate progress and explain how additional funding or support could strengthen their impact.
How Will Applications Be Evaluated?
Applications will be assessed using four key criteria:
Dream: The initiative identifies a meaningful challenge and presents a clear vision for positive change.
Team: The applicant demonstrates an ability to involve other people and mobilise them around a shared goal.
Creativity: The proposed solution introduces a fresh approach or improves an existing way of addressing the problem.
Changed World: The initiative demonstrates the potential to deliver meaningful results, either through progress already achieved or a credible plan for implementation.
Applicants should provide clear, specific information showing how their ideas can move from concept to action.
How to Apply for the Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership
Interested young people can apply online through the Ashoka Changemakers platform by following these steps:
Visit the official Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership website.
Create an account or sign in to the Changemakers platform.
Select the application option for the challenge.
Describe the community problem, proposed solution, project team and expected impact.
Review the application carefully and submit it before the final deadline.
Applicants should ensure their submissions clearly explain their leadership role and how their ideas will create positive change. Those who require adult support should complete the process with the assistance and consent of a parent or legal guardian, as applicable.
Application link: https://www.changemakers.com/en/carnegie-challenge-civic-leadership
Application Deadline
The final deadline for the Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership 2026/2027 is January 31, 2027. The early-entry deadline for the $50 seed grants in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa was October 10, 2026, and has passed.
Young people with ideas for improving their schools or communities are encouraged to review the official guidelines and submit their applications before the closing date.
For complete eligibility requirements, award details and application guidance, visit the official website.
