Eligibility note: The main Generation Regen Challenge grants are only for organisations registered in Canada or the United States, with projects delivered there, so most African organisations can’t apply. The one exception is a separate US$15,000 Innovator Prize for a young leader in South Africa. Its applications haven’t opened yet, but you can register your interest now (details below). For agriculture and climate opportunities open across Africa, see the related opportunities at the end.
One Young World and BMO, a North American bank, have opened the Generation Regen Challenge 2027. It will award US$200,000 to young-led non-profits and social enterprises working on regenerative and sustainable agriculture in Canada and the US. Every recipient also gets a fully funded place at the One Young World Summit 2027 in Tokyo, Japan (28 September – 1 October 2027).
Applications opened on 5 November 2026 and close on 24 February 2027.
At a Glance
| Organisers | One Young World, with BMO (Founding Partner) |
| Total funding | US$200,000 |
| Who can apply | Leaders aged 18–35 of registered non-profits or social enterprises in Canada or the US |
| South Africa | A separate US$15,000 Innovator Prize, opening soon |
| Summit | One Young World Summit 2027, Tokyo, 28 September – 1 October 2027 |
| Deadline | 24 February 2027 |
Benefits
- Two winners: US$60,000 grants each (Canada and US only)
- Four finalists: US$20,000 grants each (Canada and US only)
- One Innovator Prize: a US$15,000 grant (South Africa only, applications opening soon)
- All recipients: a full scholarship to the One Young World Summit 2027 in Tokyo, covering return flights, accommodation and meals
- All recipients: lifelong membership of the One Young World Ambassador community of 20,000+ young leaders in 190+ countries
- New for 2027: peer mentoring from 2026 Challenge winners
Eligibility (Canada and US Challenge)
- You must be aged 18–35.
- You must lead (for example as founder, co-founder, CEO or chair) a non-profit, charity, social enterprise or purpose-driven start-up.
- Your organisation must be a registered Canadian non-profit or charity, a registered US 501(c)(3), or a social enterprise registered in Canada or the US. Social enterprises must use 100% of the grant for the social-purpose project.
- Your organisation must have been registered for at least one year by 5 November 2026.
- The project must be based in and focused on Canada and/or the US.
- Your organisation needs a working bank account and must be able to provide audited financial statements.
- Projects delivered outside Canada and the US, individual (non-organisation) projects, and partisan or discriminatory programmes aren’t eligible.
What Projects Qualify
Projects should deliver regenerative or sustainable agriculture, with regenerative projects preferred, and make an impact in one or more of these areas:
- local farming
- soil health and carbon capture
- animal welfare
- biodiversity
- water stewardship
- crop rotation and diversity
- Indigenous and cultural food practices
- food security for underserved communities
Projects can be at any stage, from testing an idea to scaling up or changing policy.
How to Apply
- Read the full criteria on One Young World’s official Challenge page (link below).
- Complete the first-round application form in English or French. Only one application per organisation is allowed, and it must come from the organisation’s leader.
- Longlisted applicants submit a more detailed proposal in a second round.
- Shortlisted applicants are reviewed by a judging panel. Finalists then pitch remotely to a BMO committee.
- Submit before 24 February 2027.
Official Generation Regen Challenge 2027 page · Apply (Canada and US)
South African applicants: the Innovator Prize
BMO and The Oceana Group (owner of the Lucky Star brand) will award a separate US$15,000 Innovator Prize to a young South African leader working in regenerative or sustainable agriculture. Applications aren’t open yet. Register your interest here to hear when they open.
