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» » The Ashoka-Carnegie Challenge 2026/2027 for Civic Leadership (Seed funding and Fully-Funded to in-person convening)
by September 2, 2026
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2 Application Deadline: January 31st, 2027
Applications are now open for the **Ashoka-Carnegie Challenge 2026 for Civic Leadership.**Ashoka is calling on everyone aged 20 and under living in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, and U.S. territories. Are you leading a project that’s making a difference? Are you part of a youth-led organization that helps people get involved in their communities? Or do you have an idea to change the world that you’d love to put into action?
If your answer is YES to any of these questions, apply to the Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership! This is your chance to win seed funding, connect with other young changemakers, and attend an unforgettable in-person convening.
Eligibility Requirements
Participants must be individuals aged 20 or younger by the end of the entry period (January 31, 2027).
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Please note: Applicants based in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa who are 17 years old or younger must have an adult support with completing their application. In the United States, applicants who are 12 years old or younger must have an adult support with completing their application.
Participants must be located in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and/or the United States and U.S. Territories.
Applications must be submitted in English.
The submitted project must be youth-led, with the primary project lead under 20 years of age.
Employees of the Andrew Carnegie Foundation or Ashoka, along with their children and grandchildren, are not eligible to apply.
Benefits:
All Eligible Participants Will Receive:
⦿ Multiple pathways to funding, with opportunities for early applicants as well as finalists and Grand Prize winners.
⦿ Peer feedback via the Challenge online platform, including the opportunity to connect with other Challenge applicants and review applications from peers.
⦿ Access to on-demand trainings to support your changemaking journey, plus live support sessions and office hours.
⦿ The opportunity to become a certified Ashoka Youth Venturer, whether or not they are selected as a winner of the Challenge. If you’ve taken action on an idea that creates positive change in your school or community, you may be eligible to earn a Youth Venture Certificate from Ashoka, a global leader in youth social entrepreneurship. If you’re not quite ready to be certified yet, Ashoka will work with you to meet the certification criteria. Along the way, you’ll gain access to tools, resources, and a growing community of young changemakers who are leading change together.
All Eligible Participants Will Receive:
⦿ Multiple pathways to funding, with opportunities for early applicants as well as finalists and Grand Prize winners.
⦿ Peer feedback via the Challenge online platform, including the opportunity to connect with other Challenge applicants and review applications from peers.
⦿ Access to on-demand trainings to support your changemaking journey, plus live support sessions and office hours.
⦿ The opportunity to become a certified Ashoka Youth Venturer, whether or not they are selected as a winner of the Challenge. If you’ve taken action on an idea that creates positive change in your school or community, you may be eligible to earn a Youth Venture Certificate from Ashoka, a global leader in youth social entrepreneurship. If you’re not quite ready to be certified yet, Ashoka will work with you to meet the certification criteria. Along the way, you’ll gain access to tools, resources, and a growing community of young changemakers who are leading change together.
Early Application Deadline | Seed Grants
Apply early for the opportunity to receive seed funding to jumpstart your civic leadership journey.
Eligible applicants who submit by the Early Application Deadline may be selected to receive a Seed Grant:
‣ United States: Up to 600 applicants who apply byNovember 17will be eligible to receive a $100 USD Civic Seed Grant.
‣ Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa: 25 eligible applicants from each country who apply byOctober 10will receive a $50 USD Civic Seed Grant.
These grants are designed to help young changemakers take the next step in bringing their ideas to life while continuing through the Challenge.
Finalist Award
Kenya, Nigeria & South Africa
Distributed equally among the three countries, a total of 66 winners will be selected:
‣ 30 Winners will each receive $250 USD Civic Promise Award
‣ 30 Finalists will each receive $1,000 USD Civic Impact Award
‣ 6 Grand Prize Winners will each receive $5,000 USD Civic Leadership Award
Anyone receiving a grant $250 or above will be considered for a spot at an in-person convening during the week of July 26, 2027, where they will connect, build skills, and celebrate their work alongside fellow young civic leaders. A total of 30 Challenge Winners will be invited to attend the in-person convening in Kenya.*
*Ashoka will cover eligible travel and participation costs, including airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and meals during the convening. Chaperone travel will also be provided for eligible participants under 18, in accordance with the Challenge Rules.
**Information Sessions
Dates (Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa)**
For any questions or support on the Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership, reach out to us via email civicleadershipchallenge@ashoka.org
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Deadline
January 31, 2027
Funding
Fully Funded
Degree Level
Any Level
Source: Opportunities for Africans
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