Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership
Donor: The Andrew Carnegie Foundation and Ashoka
Location: Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, USA
Beneficiaries: Individuals
Project focus areas: Civic leadership, positive change
Funding amount: Between $5,000 and $10,000
Deadline: 10 Oct 2026 (Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa) / 17 November 2026 (USA)
Young people around the world are creating positive change in their schools, neighbourhoods, and communities. Through the Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership, The Andrew Carnegie Foundation and Ashoka are looking for young people aged between 5 to 20 years to share their ideas or existing projects for creating positive change in their communities.
Early Entry Civic Seed Grants for New Ideas
Applicants submitting New Idea applications may be eligible to receive an Early Entry Civic Seed Grant:
Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa: 25 participants with eligible entries per country submitted by October 10, 2026 will be considered.
United States: 600 participants with eligible entries submitted by November 17, 2026 will be considered.
Applicants can receive:
• Funding between $5,000 and $10,000
• Early Entry Civic Seed Grants for eligible New Idea applicants
• Recognition as a Certified Ashoka Youth Venturer
• Access to mentorship, tools, resources, and learning opportunities
• Connection to a global community of young changemakers and civic leaders
Whether launching a new idea or growing an existing project, applicants are invited to share how they are creating positive change in their communities!
Applicants aged 12 years and under in the United States, or 17 years and under in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, will require the support of a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult to complete the online application.
Visit here for more information and to apply.