Applications are open for the Ashoka Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership 2027 - powered by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation and Ashoka Changemakers for young people ages 5 - 20 in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, and U.S. territories.
Apply with a new civic idea or an existing youth-led project that creates positive change in your school or community. Finalists can win seed funding up to $10,000 (US) or $5,000 (Kenya/Nigeria/South Africa), join peer learning, earn Ashoka Youth Venturer certification pathways, and attend in-person convenings. Final deadline: 31 January 2027.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official Changemakers challenge page. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Ashoka Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisers | Ashoka Changemakers / Andrew Carnegie Foundation |
| Age | 5 - 20 by 31 January 2027 |
| Eligible locations | Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, United States & U.S. territories |
| Language | English |
| Top prizes (US) | Up to $10,000 Civic Leadership Award (2 winners) |
| Top prizes (KE/NG/ZA) | Up to $5,000 Civic Leadership Award (6 winners across 3 countries) |
| Early seed (new ideas) | $100 US (by 17 Nov 2026) / $50 Africa (by 10 Oct 2026) |
| Final deadline | 31 January 2027 |
| Apply | Changemakers application portal |
Benefits
- Multiple funding pathways: early Civic Seed Grants, finalist awards, and Grand Prize awards
- Peer feedback and connection with other Challenge applicants on the online platform
- On-demand trainings, live support sessions, and office hours
- Pathway to become a certified Ashoka Youth Venturer (even if not selected as a Challenge winner)
- In-person convenings (US week of 12 July 2027; Africa convening in Kenya week of 26 July 2027) with eligible travel covered for invited winners
- US stories may be spotlighted via the Nickelodeon Our World initiative
Early Civic Seed Grants (new ideas)
- United States: Among the first 600 eligible new-idea applicants by 17 November 2026, 11:59pm ET - $100 Civic Seed Grant
- Kenya, Nigeria & South Africa: Up to 25 eligible new-idea applicants per country by 10 October 2026, 11:59 CAT - $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
- Grants of $500+ considered for US convening (10 winners invited)
Finalist & Grand Prize Awards - Kenya, Nigeria & South Africa
- 30 winners - $250 Civic Promise Award
- 30 finalists - $1,000 Civic Impact Award
- 6 Grand Prize winners - $5,000 Civic Leadership Award
- Grants of $250+ considered for Kenya convening (30 winners invited)
Eligibility
- Age 5 - 20 by the end of the entry period (31 January 2027)
- Located in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and/or the United States and U.S. territories
- Application submitted in English
- Project or idea must be youth-led by the applicant
- Adult support required for KE/NG/ZA applicants 18 or younger, and for US applicants 13 or younger
- Employees of the Andrew Carnegie Foundation or Ashoka (and their children/grandchildren) are not eligible
Evaluation Criteria
- Dream - meaningful challenge, clear vision, personal insight
- Team - mobilises others around a shared purpose
- Creativity - fresh idea, approach, or twist; learning and adaptation
- Changed World - commitment to action (new ideas) or evidence of lasting impact (existing projects)
How to Apply
- Review the challenge on the official Changemakers Carnegie Challenge page.
- Confirm age, country, and youth-led project or new idea readiness.
- Create an account and submit via the Changemakers registration / application form.
- Apply early for Civic Seed Grants if submitting a new idea (Africa: 10 Oct 2026; US: 17 Nov 2026).
- Final submissions close 31 January 2027.
Questions: civicleadershipchallenge@ashoka.org · Instagram @ashokachangemakers · US text (571) 622-1066
Official Links
Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership (official)
Register and apply on Changemakers
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- Halcyon Africa Ag & Food Security Accelerator 2027
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- Global Leadership Dialogue 2027
- Browse all fellowships
FAQs - Ashoka Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership 2027
When is the final deadline?
31 January 2027. Early seed-grant cutoffs are 10 October 2026 (Kenya/Nigeria/South Africa) and 17 November 2026 (United States) for new ideas.
Who can apply?
Young people ages 5 - 20 in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, or U.S. territories with a youth-led civic project or new idea, applying in English.
What can winners receive?
Seed grants, awards from $250 - $10,000 depending on track and country, training, peer community, Youth Venturer certification pathways, and possible funded convening travel.
