Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership - Frequentl

Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership – FAQ

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General

What kind of initiatives is the Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership looking for?

We are looking for initiatives that address community-based issues and help strengthen civic participation in meaningful ways.

We are looking for both new ideas and existing projects that support people to take action, solve local challenges, build stronger communities, and create positive social change in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and the United States.

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible for this Challenge, applying initiatives must fulfil the below criteria:

Age: 20 years or under.
Residency: Applicants must currently reside in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, or the United States or one of its territories.
Youth Leadership: The applicant must submit a youth-led idea. Additionally, applicants must apply with an adult if: under 12 years of age and under in the United States, or 17 and under in Kenya, Nigeria or South Africa.
Language: Applications must be submitted in English.

Do I have to be a citizen of one of the four countries mentioned?

All applicants must reside either in Kenya, Nigeria, or South Africa, United States or one if its territories. Citizenship is not an eligibility requirement.

I previously won one of Ashoka’s youth challenges. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes! Winners of Ashoka's other youth challenges who meet all the eligibility requirements for this Challenge can apply

What are the key dates of this challenge?

The full challenge timeline is available on the challenge page. Key dates are outlined below:

Early Entry Deadline:

Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa – October 10, 2026 at 11:59PM ET
United States – November 17, 2026 at 11:59PM ET

Final Application Deadline - January 31, 2027, at 11:59PM ET

How can I stay connected to this community beyond the challenge?

We share regular newsletters with funding opportunities, community highlights, education, and connection opportunities for young changemakers of all ages. The link to opt-in is here: https://ashoka.tfaforms.net/5059110 (US) or

Once the challenge is over, we’ll be inviting our community to join our Discord Channel. We will have two Discord servers: one for changemakers ages 13-17 and one for changemakers 18 and over. The servers are for youth who have launched initiatives and made an impact to collaborate, network, problem solve and connect across regions and interests.

Grants & Other Incentives

What grant and other benefits can participants receive from this Challenge?

All eligible participants will receive:

Peer feedback via the Challenge online platform, including the opportunity to review applications from peers and connect with other Challenge applicants.
Access to on-demand trainings to support your changemaking journey, as well as live support sessions and office hours.
The Challenge offers multiple pathways to funding, with opportunities for early applicants as well as finalists and Grand Prize winners.
Every applicant has the opportunity to become a certified Ashoka Youth Venturer, whether or not they are selected as a winner of the Challenge. If you've taken action on an idea that creates positive change in your school or community, you may be eligible to earn a Youth Venture Certificate from Ashoka, a global leader in youth social entrepreneurship. If you are not quite ready to be certified yet, Ashoka will work with you to help you meet the certification criteria. Along the way, you'll gain access to tools, resources, and a growing community of young changemakers who are leading change together.

Following the review process, Challenge finalists will receive funding to grow their impact:

United States

7 Finalists will each receive $1,000 USD
3 Grand Prize Winners will each receive $10,000 USD
All 10 U.S. finalists will be invited to attend an in-person convening during the week of July 12, where they will connect, build skills, and celebrate their work alongside fellow young civic leaders.*

* Ashoka will cover eligible travel and participation costs, including airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and meals during the convening. Chaperone travel will also be provided for eligible participants under 18, in accordance with the Challenge Rules.

Kenya, Nigeria & South Africa

In each country:

9 Finalists will each receive $1,000 USD
1 Grand Prize Winner will receive $10,000 USD
The 30 Challenge winners across Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa will be invited to attend an in-person convening in Kenya during the week of 26 July. The gathering will provide opportunities for learning, collaboration, networking, and connection with a broader community of young civic leaders. *

Ashoka will cover eligible travel and participation costs, including airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and meals during the convening. Chaperone's travel will also be provided for eligible participants under 18, in accordance with the Challenge Rules.

What can I use the Early Entry seed grant for?

Eligible applicants who submit by the Early Entry Deadline may be selected to receive a Seed Grant.

These grants are designed to help you take the next step in bringing your ideas to life while continuing through the Challenge. You can use the seed grant for anything you’d like! What would be most helpful for your venture or idea? If you need any support coming up with ways to use your seed grant, feel free to get in touch!

If I receive the Early Entry seed grant or win as a finalist, what type of reporting do I have to submit?

Accordion content.

If I received the Early Entry seed grant, does this mean that I'm a top finalist?

Winning the Early Entry seed grant does not mean that you are a finalist in the Challenge. You can edit your application all the way up until the Final Deadline and are still eligible to be a Challenge finalist.

Application Process

How does the application process work?

Visit the Challenge page (insert link) to learn more and submit your application. Follow the instructions on the challenge page to complete and submit your application.

All applications must be submitted through our online platform. To apply, click "Sign In" on the website to create an account. Then, navigate to the challenge page and click "Apply Now" to access the application form and complete your submission.

If you need more details or have specific questions, you can attend the info sessions, book office hours, or email us on – [email protected]

Can I save my application as a draft before finishing it?

Yes, you can save your application as a draft before submitting it. Click “Save Draft” regularly as you continue editing your application. Once you have completed all sections and are satisfied with your responses, you can submit your application.

Is there a word limit for the application?

Yes, there is a word limit on each question, which is specified on the application.

What support is available during the application process?

Our team is offering live support sessions during the application period to help answer questions, provide clarification, and offer guidance. You can also reach out anytime via email, social media on Instagram @ashokachangemakers, or text message at (571) 622-1066 (U.S. applicants only).

You can register for a live support session using the below links:

Info Sessions (1hr)

Kenya -
Nigeria -
South Africa -
United States -

Office Hours (2hrs)

Kenya -
Nigeria -
South Africa -
United States -

I am an adult supporting young applicants. Can I apply on their behalf?

Welcome, adult allies! Yes, you can apply on behalf of a young person.

Applicants based in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa who are 17 years or younger must have an adult assist with their application. In the United States, applicants who are 12 years or younger must have an adult assist with completing the application.

Do I need a teammate to apply? If I do have a team, how many applications should we submit?

Because this Challenge invites young people with established project and new ideas for social good, you do not need to have a teammate to apply. However, “Team” is an evaluation criteria for the Challenge, so you should have a solid plan or idea in mind of how you are going to build a team, if you don’t have one already.

I can’t submit my application, who should I contact?

Reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions or technical issues!