Applications are now open for the One Billion Acts of Peace Changemaker Fellowship 2026, a global, one-year fellowship powered by the PeaceJam Foundation.
The programme is designed for young leaders who are already developing projects, initiatives or organisations focused on peace, justice, equity and social change.
The fellowship provides selected changemakers with mentorship, leadership development, project funding and access to an international community of young leaders and social-impact professionals. Successful Fellows can receive up to US$5,000 in project funding to help strengthen and expand their community-focused work.
Applications close on 28 September 2026, making this an important opportunity for young changemakers worldwide who are ready to take their existing initiatives to the next level.
The One Billion Acts of Peace Changemaker Fellowship is a yearlong leadership and development programme for young adults who have already started building something meaningful in their communities.
Rather than focusing solely on ideas that are yet to be implemented, the fellowship seeks young leaders who are already actively working on a project, grassroots initiative, nonprofit, activist campaign or mission-driven enterprise.
Fellows come from different countries, sectors and backgrounds and work across the programme’s 10 key issue areas, addressing challenges from the ground up while contributing to peacebuilding and positive social change.
The programme is global, meaning young leaders from anywhere in the world can be considered if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is aimed at young adults between 18 and 30 years old who are already leading or actively building a project, initiative or organisation.
Applicants should have a project focused on peace, justice, equity or social change within one of the One Billion Acts of Peace key issue areas.
Eligible projects may include emerging nonprofit organisations, grassroots movements, activism initiatives and mission-driven businesses or social enterprises.
The programme is particularly suited to changemakers whose projects are somewhere between the early stages and gaining traction. Applicants do not need to have already scaled their initiatives, but they should demonstrate commitment, seriousness and a desire to grow their impact.
Successful applicants should also be ready to receive constructive challenges, participate actively in the fellowship community, collaborate with other changemakers and remain accountable throughout the programme.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
Up to US$5,000 in Project Funding
One of the major benefits is financial support of up to US$5,000. The funding is intended to help Fellows develop and grow their peacebuilding and social-impact projects.
This support can provide emerging leaders with resources to strengthen initiatives and expand their impact within their communities.
Yearlong Mentorship and Leadership Development
Fellows participate in monthly learning sessions designed around leadership competencies they want to develop.
The programme draws inspiration from the skills and approaches used by Nobel Laureates and experienced changemakers to create meaningful social change.
Global Community of Changemakers
Selected Fellows join an international community that includes other Billion Acts of Peace Fellows, PeaceJam participants, nonprofit and business professionals, network members and Nobel Laureates.
This community can provide opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and long-term professional relationships.
International Opportunities and Events
Fellows will be invited to participate in PeaceJam conferences and virtual events and can be connected with international opportunities that align with their goals and aspirations.
The programme therefore combines funding and mentorship with access to a broader global network.
Six PeaceJam Competencies
The fellowship’s leadership development is built around six key competencies:
- Positive Power & Purpose – understanding personal strengths and using them to create positive change.
- Creating Inclusive Communities – developing collaborative and supportive communities.
- Compassionate Leadership – leading with empathy, understanding and a commitment to justice.
- Peacebuilding – developing the skills needed to promote justice, resolve conflict and build peaceful communities.
- Global Citizenship & Interconnectedness – recognising shared humanity and the connections between people and the planet.
- Change Agent – taking action, advocating for positive transformation and becoming an effective catalyst for change.
These competencies can help Fellows strengthen both their individual leadership capacity and the effectiveness of their projects.
Fellowship Details
Fellowship: One Billion Acts of Peace Changemaker Fellowship 2026
Powered by: PeaceJam Foundation
Duration: One year
Location: Global / Remote
Age requirement: 18–30 years
Funding: Up to US$5,000 in project funds
Focus: Peace, justice, equity and social change
Application deadline: 28 September 2026
Why Young Changemakers Should Apply
The fellowship offers more than financial assistance. It provides an opportunity for young leaders to develop their leadership skills, receive mentorship and become part of a global community committed to creating positive change.
For young people already working on community initiatives, the programme can provide valuable support at a critical stage of development. Access to project funding can help turn ambition into measurable impact, while mentorship and networking can help Fellows address challenges and build more sustainable initiatives.
The international network can also expose participants to new ideas, partnerships and opportunities beyond their immediate communities.
How to Apply
Young leaders interested in the One Billion Acts of Peace Changemaker Fellowship 2026 should review the official fellowship requirements and application process before submitting their applications.
Applicants should be prepared to clearly communicate their project or initiative, the problem they are addressing, the impact they have already achieved and how fellowship support could help them grow their work.
With applications closing on 28 September 2026, eligible young changemakers are encouraged to prepare their applications early and demonstrate the vision, commitment and community impact behind their work.
