Do you have an idea for creating positive change in your school or community? Or are you already working on a project for good and engaging others to make a difference?

That’s civic leadership: identifying a challenge in your community and working with others to create solutions, inspire action, and make a positive difference.

They are calling on everyone aged 20 and under living in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, and U.S. territories.

ELIGIBILITY:

Participant Age: Participants must be individuals aged 20 or younger by the end of the entry period (January 31, 2027).

Please note: Applicants based in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa who are 17 years old or younger must have an adult support with completing their application. In the United States, applicants who are 12 years old or younger must have an adult support to complete their application.

Participants must be located in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and/or the United States and U.S. Territories.

Applications must be submitted in English.

The submitted project must be youth-led, with the primary project lead aged 20 or younger.

Employees of the Andrew Carnegie Foundation or Ashoka, along with their children and grandchildren, are not eligible to apply.

BENEFIT:

Following the review process, finalists will receive funding to grow their impact.

United States:

12 Winners will receive $500 USD Civic Promise Award

10 Finalists will each receive $1,000 USD Civic Impact Award

2 Grand Prize Winners will each receive $10,000 USD Civic Leadership Award

Anyone receiving a grant $500 or above will be considered for a spot at an in-person convening in the US during the week of July 12, 2027 where they will connect, build skills, and celebrate their work alongside fellow young civic leaders. A total of 10 Challenge Winners will be invited to attend the in-person convening.*

*Ashoka will cover eligible travel and participation costs, including airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and meals during the convening. Chaperone travel will also be provided for eligible participants under 18, in accordance with the Challenge Rules.

Kenya, Nigeria & South Africa

Distributed equally among the three countries, a total of 66 winners will be selected:

30 Winners will each receive $250 USD Civic Promise Award

30 Finalists will each receive $1,000 USD Civic Impact Award

6 Grand Prize Winners will each receive $5,000 USD Civic Leadership Award

Anyone receiving a grant $250 or above will be considered for a spot at an in-person convening during the week of July 26, 2027, where they will connect, build skills, and celebrate their work alongside fellow young civic leaders. A total of 30 Challenge Winners will be invited to attend the in-person convening in Kenya.

Ashoka will cover eligible travel and participation costs, including airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and meals during the convening. Chaperone travel will also be provided for eligible participants under 18, in accordance with the Challenge Rules.