Do you lead a social or environmental venture that helps young people grow? If you live in Europe or the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the Changemakers for Youth Programme 2027 could take your work further. You will get tailored support, a five-day in-person summit and a strong peer network. In addition, a travel stipend is available. Applications close on November 9, 2026.
About the Changemakers for Youth Programme
ChangemakerXchange runs this programme with support from the Drosos Foundation. It backs young social entrepreneurs whose ventures tackle social, economic, educational or environmental problems. At the same time, those ventures must help other young people build skills, confidence and leadership.
Over three years, the programme will support 80 young changemakers. Each one joins a regional cohort and becomes part of ChangemakerXchange’s wider global community. The 2027 intake is the programme’s second cohort.
Benefits of the Changemakers for Youth Programme
- Tailored capacity building: online learning shaped around your needs and your organisation’s needs, led by experts and practitioners
- Five-day in-person summit: peer learning, collaboration, wellbeing and resilience (planned for mid-March 2027; location to be confirmed)
- Seed funding for collaboration: money for selected cross-border projects created by participants together
- Travel stipend: full or partial cover for flights, train or bus fares, visa fees, required travel insurance and layover accommodation
- Global network: links to partners, mentors, funders and other social innovators
Please note: seed funding goes to selected joint projects. It is not a cash award for every participant. Also, travel support depends on need and available funds.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
You can apply if you:
- Are aged 18 to 35
- Permanently live, work and create impact in Egypt, Germany, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Switzerland or Tunisia
- Hold a leadership or decision-making role in an active social or environmental venture
- Run an initiative that empowers young people or boosts their skills, participation or leadership
- Can take part in English
- Can commit to all programme activities, including the in-person summit
Germany note: you may be based anywhere in Germany, but your project must have real impact in Eastern Germany.
You do not need to be the founder. However, staff or volunteers without a leadership role are not eligible.
What Kinds of Ventures Are Welcome?
The programme is open to many sectors, as long as young people are at the heart of your work. For example:
- Education, skills and employability
- Economic empowerment and youth entrepreneurship
- Climate action and the environment
- Social inclusion of marginalised young people
- Health and mental wellbeing
- Civic engagement and youth participation
Ventures with proven traction are preferred. Still, early-stage ideas with strong potential, ideally backed by a pilot, may be considered.
Application Timeline
- October 13, 2026: Applications open
- November 9, 2026: Application deadline
- November 20 – December 19, 2026: Online interviews
- January 13, 2027: Final decisions
- First week of February 2027: Online kick-off
- Mid-March 2027: In-person summit (dates and venue to be confirmed)
How to Apply for Changemakers for Youth 2027
- Read the full details on the official Changemakers for Youth page.
- Prepare to explain the problem you tackle, your leadership role, your impact so far and how your work strengthens young people.
- If travel costs could stop you from attending the summit, say so in your application so your need for a stipend is considered.
- Complete the online application form before November 9, 2026.
Have questions? Contact the ChangemakerXchange team through the official website and use “Changemakers for Youth” as your subject line.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Show results with numbers, such as how many young people you have reached.
- Explain clearly how young people lead or take part in your work, not just benefit from it.
- Be honest about your support needs. The programme is tailored to them.
- Mention any interest in working across borders. Collaboration is a core focus.
Key Details at a Glance
- Organiser: ChangemakerXchange
- Supporter: Drosos Foundation
- Age: 18–35
- Countries: Egypt, Germany (impact in Eastern Germany), Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Switzerland, Tunisia
- Format: Online support plus a five-day in-person summit
- Funding: Travel stipends and seed funding for selected collaborations
- Deadline: November 9, 2026
