Ashoka Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership 2027

Applications are now open for the Ashoka Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership 2027, an opportunity designed for young people who are creating positive change in their schools and communities. The Challenge supports young changemakers who have an idea for addressing a community challenge or are already leading a project that brings people together to create meaningful change.

The Challenge is powered by Ashoka Changemakers and the Andrew Carnegie Foundation and is open to young people between the ages of 5 and 20 who are living in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, or United States territories. Applicants may submit a new idea that they want to develop or an existing youth led project that is already creating impact.

Participants can access different funding opportunities throughout the Challenge, including early Civic Seed Grants, finalist awards and Grand Prize awards. The programme also provides peer feedback, training, live support sessions and opportunities to connect with other young changemakers.

About the Challenge

The Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership focuses on civic leadership through action. Applicants are encouraged to identify a challenge or opportunity in their community, develop a vision for positive change and involve others in creating solutions.

Projects can address different issues affecting schools and communities. The Challenge does not require applicants to have an established organisation or fully developed project. New ideas are welcome alongside existing initiatives that are already demonstrating progress.

The Challenge evaluates applications according to four main areas: Dream, Team, Creativity and Changed World. These areas consider the importance of the issue, the applicant's vision, their ability to mobilize others, the originality of their approach and the potential or demonstrated impact of their initiative.

Opportunity Benefits

• Multiple opportunities to receive funding during the Challenge

• Civic Seed Grants for eligible early applicants with new ideas

• Civic Promise Awards for selected winners

• Civic Impact Awards for selected finalists

• Civic Leadership Awards for Grand Prize winners

• Peer feedback through the online Challenge platform

• Opportunities to connect with other young changemakers

• On demand training and educational resources

• Live support sessions and office hours

• Opportunity to become a certified Ashoka Youth Venturer

• Access to tools and resources for youth social entrepreneurship

• Opportunity to participate in an in person convening for selected funded participants

• Travel and participation costs covered for eligible participants invited to the in person convenings

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be between 5 and 20 years old by January 31, 2027

• Applicants must live in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States or a United States territory

• The submitted initiative must be youth led

• Applications must be submitted in English

• Applicants may submit a new idea or an existing project

• Applicants in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa who are 18 or younger must have adult support when completing the application

• Applicants in the United States who are 13 or younger must have adult support when completing the application

• Employees of the Andrew Carnegie Foundation or Ashoka, as well as their children and grandchildren, are not eligible

Selection Criteria

Applications are considered according to four areas:

• Dream: The initiative addresses a meaningful challenge or opportunity and presents a clear vision for positive change.

• Team: The initiative brings people together around a shared purpose and enables others to contribute, collaborate or lead.

• Creativity: The initiative introduces a new idea, fresh perspective or distinctive approach to an existing challenge.

• Changed World: New ideas should demonstrate potential to create positive change, while existing projects should demonstrate progress and potential for continued impact.

Required Application Information

Applicants should be prepared to provide information that explains their idea or project and demonstrates its civic impact.

• Description of the challenge or opportunity being addressed

• Vision for the positive change the applicant wants to create

• Information about the project or new idea

• Explanation of how the initiative involves or mobilizes others

• Details demonstrating creativity and originality

• Evidence of progress and impact for existing projects

• Information showing how the initiative can create continued or expanded impact

• Application submitted in English

How to Apply

1. Review the eligibility requirements and Challenge rules carefully.
2. Identify a meaningful issue or opportunity in your school or community.
3. Decide whether you are applying with a new idea or an existing youth led project.
4. Develop a clear explanation of the challenge, your proposed solution and the change you want to create.
5. Explain how you involve other people and how your initiative encourages collaboration and participation.
6. Highlight the creative aspects of your idea or project and provide evidence of progress where applicable.
7. Complete the online application through Ashoka Changemakers.
8. Applicants in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa seeking consideration for the early Civic Seed Grant should submit eligible new ideas by October 10, 2026.
9. Applicants in the United States seeking consideration for the early Civic Seed Grant should apply by November 17, 2026.
10. Submit the final application by January 31, 2027.