Ashoka Carnegie Challenge Opens for Young Changemakers
The Ashoka Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership 2027 is now accepting applications from young leaders aged 20 and under in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa
The Ashoka Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership 2027 is now open for applications. The programme, run by Ashoka Changemakers, seeks young leaders aged 20 and under from Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and the United States and its territories. It offers funding and support for youth-led community projects. The final deadline is January 31, 2027.
All eligible participants gain access to multiple benefits. These include peer feedback via an online platform and on-demand training modules. Applicants can also work toward becoming a certified Ashoka Youth Venturer. This certification provides access to tools and a community of fellow changemakers.
Early Seed Grants
Early applicants have a chance to secure seed funding. These small grants are designed to help jumpstart projects. The deadlines and grant amounts differ by region.
| Region | Early Application Deadline | Seed Grant Details |
|---|---|---|
| United States | November 17, 2026 | Up to 600 applicants eligible for $100 USD grant |
| Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa | October 10, 2026 | 25 eligible applicants per country receive $50 USD grant |
Finalist Awards and Prizes
Following a review process, finalists will receive larger awards to grow their impact. The prize structure and quantities vary significantly between the United States and the three African nations involved.
For the United States cohort, the awards are as follows:
| Award Tier | Number of Winners | Prize Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Civic Promise Award | 12 | $500 USD |
| Civic Impact Award | 10 | $1,000 USD |
| Civic Leadership Award (Grand Prize) | 2 | $10,000 USD |
For Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, a total of 66 winners will be selected, distributed equally among the three countries:
| Award Tier | Number of Winners (Total) | Prize Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Civic Promise Award | 30 | $250 USD |
| Civic Impact Award | 30 | $1,000 USD |
| Civic Leadership Award (Grand Prize) | 6 | $5,000 USD |
In-Person Convening
Winners of larger grants qualify for consideration for an in-person gathering. According to the source, Ashoka will cover all eligible travel and participation costs. This includes airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and meals. Chaperone travel will be provided for eligible participants under 18.
The U.S. convening is scheduled for the week of July 12, 2027, with 10 winners invited. The convening for winners from Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa is set for the week of July 26, 2027, with 30 winners invited.
Eligibility and Application
Strict eligibility criteria apply. Participants must be 20 or younger by the end of the entry period on January 31, 2027. They must reside in one of the listed countries. Projects must be youth-led, with the primary lead under age 20. Applications must be submitted in English.
The source notes specific rules for younger applicants. In Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, applicants aged 17 or younger require adult support. In the United States, this rule applies to applicants aged 12 or younger. Employees of the Andrew Carnegie Foundation or Ashoka, and their families, are not eligible.
Projects will be evaluated on four criteria: Dream, Team, Creativity, and Changed World. Interested young changemakers can apply directly through the Ashoka Changemakers website.
