Are you aged 20 or under, living in Nigeria, Kenya or South Africa, with an idea or project to improve your community? The Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership 2026/2027, run by Ashoka Changemakers, gives awards of up to US$5,000 to youth-led projects that get people involved in solving local problems. Winners may also get a fully funded trip to a convening in Kenya in July 2027.
The final deadline is 31 January 2027 at 11:59pm US Eastern Time.
At a Glance
| Organiser | Ashoka Changemakers |
| Who can apply | Young people aged 5–20 living in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa or the US |
| Awards (Africa) | US$250, US$1,000 or US$5,000 |
| Winners (Africa) | 66, shared equally between Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa |
| Convening | Kenya, week of 26 July 2027 (costs covered) |
| Deadline | 31 January 2027, 11:59pm ET |
Benefits
Awards for Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa (66 winners in total):
- 30 Civic Promise Awards of US$250 each
- 30 Civic Impact Awards of US$1,000 each
- 6 Civic Leadership Awards (grand prize) of US$5,000 each
For all eligible applicants:
- On-demand training, live support sessions and office hours
- Peer feedback and connections with other young changemakers
- The chance to become a certified Ashoka Youth Venturer, even if you don’t win
In-person convening: 30 winners from the three African countries will be invited to a convening in Kenya during the week of 26 July 2027. Ashoka covers flights, hotel, ground transport and meals, plus a chaperone for participants under 18.
Eligibility
- You must be between 5 and 20 years old on 31 January 2027.
- You must live in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, the US or a US territory. Citizenship isn’t required.
- Your idea or project must be youth-led, with you playing a leading role.
- Applicants in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa aged 17 or younger must apply with an adult’s support.
- Applications must be in English.
- Both new ideas and existing projects are welcome. You don’t need a registered organisation.
How Projects Are Judged
- Dream: a meaningful community challenge and a clear vision for change
- Team: how you involve others
- Creativity: a fresh idea or approach
- Changed world: real or realistic potential for impact
How to Apply
- Visit the official challenge page and create an account on the Changemakers platform.
- Start your application and describe the problem, your solution, who’s involved and the impact you expect.
- Save drafts and review them. Join an information session or “Reviewers to the Rescue” session for help.
- Submit before 31 January 2027, 11:59pm ET. That’s 5:59am on 1 February in Lagos, 6:59am in Johannesburg and 7:59am in Nairobi.
Official Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership page · FAQs
The early seed-grant deadline for Africa (10 October 2026) has passed, but you can still apply for the main awards.
Tips
- Pick a real local problem, such as school dropout, waste, youth unemployment or access to clean water.
- Show your team. Name the friends, classmates or community members working with you.
- Give evidence. If your project already exists, share numbers: people reached, events held, results.
- Get your adult supporter on board early if you’re 17 or younger.
