The Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership is now accepting applications from young changemakers aged 20 and under who are leading projects or developing innovative ideas to create positive change in their schools and communities. Powered by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation and Ashoka Changemakers, the international challenge offers seed funding, leadership development, global networking opportunities and an unforgettable in-person convening for outstanding youth leaders.
Young people from Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States and U.S. Territories are invited to apply before the 31 January 2027 deadline with either an existing youth-led project or a powerful new civic leadership idea.
About the Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership
The Carnegie Challenge celebrates young people who identify problems in their communities and mobilize others to create meaningful solutions. Whether addressing education, climate action, public health, gender equality, community development or civic participation, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their ideas inspire collective action and generate positive social impact.
The initiative recognizes that civic leadership is not defined by age but by the ability to bring people together, solve community challenges and build a better future through collaboration and innovation.
What Winners Receive
The Challenge offers an exciting package of funding and leadership opportunities designed to help young changemakers grow their ideas into lasting impact.
Successful participants may receive:
- Seed funding to launch or expand their civic leadership project
- Opportunities to become finalist award recipients
- An invitation to an in-person convening with fellow young changemakers
- Access to an international network of youth leaders and social innovators
- Learning experiences and continued engagement through Ashoka Changemakers
In addition, all eligible participants gain access to valuable application resources, information sessions and mentorship opportunities throughout the competition.
Who Can Apply?
The Carnegie Challenge is open to young leaders who meet the following eligibility requirements:
Age Requirements
Applicants must be 20 years old or younger by 31 January 2027.
Additional requirements include:
- Applicants aged 17 or younger in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa must have an adult supporting their application.
- Applicants aged 12 or younger in the United States must also have adult support during the application process.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must reside in one of the following locations:
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- United States
- U.S. Territories
Project Requirements
To qualify, the submitted initiative must be:
- Youth-led, with the primary project leader under the age of 20
- Focused on creating positive change within a school or community
- Submitted in English
Employees of the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, Ashoka, and their immediate descendants are not eligible to participate.
What Makes a Strong Application?
Applications will be evaluated across four key dimensions that reflect effective civic leadership:
- Dream: A compelling vision for positive community change
- Team: The ability to mobilize and collaborate with others
- Creativity: Innovative approaches to solving community challenges
- Changed World: Evidence of meaningful or potential social impact
Applicants do not need a large organization or extensive funding history. The Challenge welcomes both early-stage ideas and active youth-led initiatives with strong potential for community transformation.
Free Application Support
Ashoka Changemakers is providing multiple opportunities for applicants to strengthen their submissions through free virtual support sessions.
Participants can attend:
- Information Sessions (September–December 2026)
- Application Assistance Office Hours for personalized feedback
- Reviewers to the Rescue sessions before both the early and final deadlines
These live sessions allow applicants to ask questions, receive guidance and improve the quality of their applications before submission.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Now Open |
| Information Sessions Begin | 13 September 2026 |
| Early Entry Support Sessions | October–November 2026 |
| Final Application Deadline | 31 January 2027 |
Applicants are encouraged to begin their applications early to benefit from the available mentorship and feedback opportunities.
Why Young Changemakers Should Apply
The Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership is more than a funding competition—it is a global platform for young people committed to improving their communities through leadership and innovation. Participants gain visibility, practical support, international connections and the opportunity to transform bold ideas into real-world impact.
Whether leading a community initiative, launching a youth organization or developing a new solution to a local challenge, this programme offers an exceptional opportunity to amplify youth leadership and civic action on a global stage.
