Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Be 20 years old or younger by January 31, 2027.
- Applicants aged 17 or younger in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa need adult support.
- Applicants aged 12 or younger in the U.S. need adult support.
- Reside in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, or U.S. Territories.
- Lead a youth-led project, with the primary project lead under 20.
- Submit applications in English.
- Employees of Ashoka or the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, and their children or grandchildren, are not eligible.
Funding & Program Benefits
Early Application Seed Grants: Helps to jumpstart early-stage projects:
- United States: up to 600 applicants who submit by November 17 get a $100 Civic Seed Grant.
- Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa: 25 applicants per country who submit by October 10 get a $50 Civic Seed Grant.
Finalist & Grand Prize Awards
United States:
- 12 Winners: $500 Civic Promise Award
- 10 Finalists: $1,000 Civic Impact Award
- 2 Grand Prize Winners: $10,000 Civic Leadership Award
Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa (66 awards split equally across the three countries):
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- 30 Winners: $250 Civic Promise Award
- 30 Finalists: $1,000 Civic Impact Award
- 6 Grand Prize Winners: $5,000 Civic Leadership Award
Important Deadlines
- Early Application Deadline (Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa): October 10, 2026
- Early Application Deadline (United States): November 17, 2026
- Final Application Deadline: January 31, 2027
How to Apply
Interested applicants can review full details and submit applications through the official Ashoka Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership application platform.
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
