Apply Now: Global Citizen & Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 — $250,000 Grant Available
The 2026 Global Citizen – Cisco Youth Leadership Award is now open for applications. This opportunity offers a generous US $250,000 grant to support young changemakers leading tech-driven social initiatives that advance the UN Global Goals and fight extreme poverty. If you are aged 18–30 and part of a legally registered organisation making real impact, this could be a golden chance to scale up.
Quick Insight:
The grant isn’t just a reward — it’s an investment in organisations using technology and innovation to create measurable social change. It’s ideal for startups, NGOs, or social enterprises ready to grow and deepen their impact.
1. What You Get
• A US $250,000 grant paid directly to your registered organisation — to help scale operations, reach, and impact.
• Global recognition: the winner will be announced at the major event held in New York City.
• Networking and exposure: connecting with global leaders, funders, philanthropists and innovators who could support or collaborate with your work.
2. Who Can Apply
• Individuals aged between 18 and 30 at the time of application.
• Must be involved with a legally registered organisation — can be nonprofit, social enterprise, for-profit, B-Corp, etc.
• The organization should already have some track record of impact (not just an idea or concept) — ideally at least a few years of operation or demonstrated results.
• Applicants from all countries (except those under certain financial sanctions) are eligible.
3. What They Look For: Key Criteria
• Measurable Impact — proven results over the past 3–5 years that align with one or more UN Global Goals.
• Technology-Driven Innovation — use of technology or internet-based tools/solutions to increase efficiency, reach or social impact.
• Scalable Vision — clear, realistic plan for how you’ll grow and deepen impact with the grant over the next few years.
• Leadership & Inspiration — ability to mobilize others, inspire community or youth engagement, and demonstrate global-citizen values.
4. Application Process & Deadline
• Applications close on **December 17, 2025** (New York Time).
• Application requires personal and organisation information, a short video-pitch (1–2 minutes), and a written outline of your project impact and vision.
• Shortlisted finalists (around 5) will be asked to submit recommendation letters (from a colleague/partner, a funder/partner, and someone impacted by your work).
• The final winner will be announced at the Global Citizen NOW event in May 2026.
Why It Matters — A Chance to Scale Big
For youth-led organisations and social enterprises — especially in Africa and other under-resourced regions — this grant could be a game-changer. Whether you’re working on education, agriculture, health, renewable energy, or community development — if your efforts have already made tangible impact, this award could take you to the next level.
Tip: Gather documents proving past impact, prepare a clear 3-to-5-year growth plan, script a compelling video pitch, and line up recommendation letters now — applying early improves your chances.
