Opportunity Title: Young Changemakers, Your Ideas Could Earn a $10,000 Civic Seed Grant

Young people are already fixing things in their schools, neighbourhoods and communities. Most of them never get funding, recognition or a network to help them grow. The Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership is trying to change that.

Run by The Andrew Carnegie Foundation and Ashoka, the challenge is open to young people aged 5 to 20 anywhere in the world. You can apply with a brand new idea or an existing project that is already making a difference where you live.

What is the Civic Seed Grant?

Applicants who submit a New Idea application early may be eligible for a Civic Seed Grant of between $5,000 and $10,000. That is real money to turn an idea into something people can see and use.

The early windows are limited, so timing matters:

• Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa: 25 participants per country with eligible entries submitted by 10 October 2026 will be considered.
• United States: 600 participants with eligible entries submitted by 17 November 2026 will be considered.

If you are in Nigeria, that first deadline is days away. Early entries get the best shot at the grant, so do not wait for the final date.

What else do applicants get?

The grant is not the only benefit. Eligible applicants can also receive:

• Recognition as a Certified Ashoka Youth Venturer
• Access to mentorship, tools, resources and learning opportunities
• Connection to a global community of young changemakers and civic leaders

For a young person with a good idea and no network, that access can matter as much as the funding.

A note on age

If you are 12 or under in the United States, or 17 or under in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, you will need a parent, guardian or another trusted adult to help you complete the online application. Parents, teachers and youth leaders, this is where you come in. Sit down with the young person in your life and help them get their idea on paper.

How to apply

Applications are online. You can apply here: https://www.changemakers.com/en/carnegie-challenge-civic-leadership

The final deadline is 31 January 2027, but only early applicants with new ideas are considered for the Civic Seed Grant. If you have questions, email civicleadershipchallenge@ashoka.org.

Pass it on

You may not be the one to apply, but you probably know someone who should. Share this with schools, youth groups, community organisations and the young changemakers in your circle. One forwarded link could be the push someone needs to start.

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