The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in Washington, D.C. is accepting applications for the Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027. It’s a funded four-month fellowship for young democracy leaders aged 30 or under from anywhere in the world, including Africa. Fellows spend 1 May to 31 August 2027 in Washington working on a project about a democratic challenge in their own country or region.
Only up to three fellows are chosen. Applications close on 30 November 2026, and recommendation letters are due by 4 December 2026.
At a Glance
| Host | International Forum for Democratic Studies, National Endowment for Democracy (NED) |
| Funded by | The Hurford Foundation |
| Location | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Dates | 1 May – 31 August 2027 (four months) |
| Places | Up to 3 fellows |
| Age limit | 30 or younger |
| Deadline | 30 November 2026 (recommendation letters by 4 December 2026) |
What Fellows Do
Each fellow works on a project tackling a democratic challenge in their country or region and what it means for young people. Projects can cover political, social, economic, legal or cultural issues. You don’t need to study or compare with democracy in the United States.
NED is especially interested in two themes:
- Building bridges between youth and civil society: how youth movements and civic organisations can work together to turn activism into real democratic results
- Technology and democracy: how AI and new technologies can be used to strengthen, not weaken, democracy
Every fellow must produce at least one output, such as an article, handbook, toolkit, podcast, tech tool or video. It can be in English or another language. Fellows also join seminars, roundtables and field trips, and meet people from government, civil society, universities and the media.
Benefits
- A monthly stipend for living costs, calculated to cover a short-term furnished apartment, food, local transport and other necessities
- Basic health insurance
- Return economy flights to and from Washington, D.C.
- Four months working with NED staff and its core institutes
- A global network of democracy activists and practitioners
Fellows who bring family members must pay for their family’s travel and living costs.
Eligibility
- You must be 30 years old or younger.
- You need a proven commitment to, and experience in, advancing youth participation in democracy.
- Applicants linked to civic organisations, human rights groups and democracy initiatives are especially encouraged.
- The call is open to emerging youth leaders from around the world. NED names African countries such as Kenya, Madagascar and Morocco among the places where youth movements have driven change.
How to Apply
- Read the full call on NED’s official Hurford page (link below).
- Plan a project on a democratic challenge in your country or region that affects young people.
- Create an account on NED’s online application system and complete the Hurford Youth Fellowship application.
- Submit by 30 November 2026, and make sure your referees send their letters by 4 December 2026.
Official Hurford Youth Fellows Program page (NED) · NED online application system
Questions: [email protected]
Tips
- Write in your own voice. NED warns that copy-pasting AI-generated answers is prohibited and that it will prioritise original, authentic applications.
- Make the project practical. Show what you’ll produce and how others could use it, for example a toolkit for youth groups in your region.
- Show real experience, such as campaigns you’ve led, voter education, civic tech or youth organising.
- Think beyond your country. NED values projects whose lessons can help activists elsewhere.
- Ask your referees early, as their letters have a separate deadline.
