The Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership 2026/2027 is inviting young people to submit ideas and existing projects designed to create positive change in their schools and communities. The challenge is aimed at young civic leaders who are identifying community challenges, working with others to develop solutions, inspiring action and contributing to meaningful social change. The initiative is open to young people aged 5 to 20 living in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States and U.S. territories. Applicants can submit an idea that they want to develop or an existing youth-led project that is already making a difference. Participants have an opportunity to receive seed funding, connect with other young changemakers and participate in an in-person convening. The programme also provides resources and support to help young people strengthen their civic leadership and community initiatives. Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership The Carnegie Challenge is designed around the concept of civic leadership, which involves recognising challenges within communities and working collectively to address them. Young participants are encouraged to demonstrate how their ideas or projects can involve others and contribute to positive change. The challenge welcomes applicants who are already leading community projects, participating in youth-led organisations or developing new ideas that could make a difference. Projects should demonstrate meaningful youth leadership and a clear connection to positive community impact. The opportunity is particularly relevant to young people with interests in community development, education, social change, youth participation, civic engagement and grassroots initiatives. Funding and Benefits Eligible participants can access a range of benefits through the challenge. These include opportunities for civic seed grants, particularly for new ideas, as well as awards for finalists. The challenge also provides an opportunity for young participants to connect with other changemakers working on community-based solutions. Selected participants may further benefit from an in-person convening designed to provide opportunities for learning, networking and collaboration. The funding can help promising youth-led ideas move from concept to implementation, while recognition through the challenge can provide additional visibility for projects creating positive change. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet the challenge’s age, residency and project requirements. Applicants must: Be 5 to 20 years old by 31 January 2027, the end of the entry period. Live in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States or a U.S. territory. Submit the application in English. Be submitting a youth-led project or idea. Demonstrate that the applicant, aged between 5 and 20, is leading the project or initiative. Additional adult support requirements apply to younger applicants. Applicants in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa who are 18 or younger must have an adult assist with completing the application. In the United States, applicants aged 13 or younger must also have adult support. Employees of the Andrew Carnegie Foundation or Ashoka, as well as their children and grandchildren, are excluded from participating. How Projects Are Evaluated Applications are assessed using several core considerations intended to identify promising youth-led civic initiatives. These include the applicant’s dream, team, creativity and changed world. Applicants should therefore clearly explain the change they want to achieve, the people involved in delivering the project, what makes their approach creative and how the proposed or existing initiative is contributing to positive change. A strong application should communicate the community challenge clearly and demonstrate how young people are taking meaningful leadership in developing or implementing the response. How to Apply Eligible young people can submit their applications through the Ashoka Changemakers Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership application platform. Applicants should provide accurate information about their project or idea and explain its purpose, leadership structure and intended or demonstrated impact. Younger applicants should work with the required adult supporter when completing the application. Applications must be submitted in English, and applicants should review the official terms and conditions before submitting their entries. Application Deadline The entry period closes on 31 January 2027. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day. Those interested in participating should review the official challenge information, eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria and application instructions before applying. Why Young Changemakers Should Consider the Challenge The Carnegie Challenge provides a platform for young people to turn community-focused ideas into practical action. Beyond potential seed funding, participants can gain exposure to a wider network of young changemakers and opportunities to learn from others involved in civic initiatives. For young leaders in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States and U.S. territories, the challenge offers an opportunity to present projects that demonstrate youth leadership and a commitment to creating positive change. Official Application and Support Applications should be submitted through the official Ashoka Changemakers platform. Applicants with questions or requiring support can contact the challenge team at civicleadershipchallenge@ashoka.org. Applicants in the United States can also access support by text message at (571) 622-1066. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.