Submit Applications for Catalyst Grant 2026 (Nigeria)

The Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) 2026 Youth Leadership Development Fund provides grants of up to $50,000 to youth-driven organizations across Nigeria. The fund supports initiatives in policy and advocacy, accountability and transparency, social inclusion, peacebuilding, and civic engagement through technology, media, and creative expressions. Selected organizations act as regional hubs, coordinating youth-led activities and promoting long-term national development goals.

Overview of the Fund

The Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) is a five-year collaborative program of LEAP Africa, MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Luminate Group. It aims to strengthen youth leadership, promote policy engagement, and enable young people to shape Nigeria’s long-term development.

The fund operates through three core components:

1. Imaginative Futures Working Group – Mainstreams youth ideas into national and regional planning processes.

2. Youth Leadership Programme – Builds the capacity of young leaders and youth-led organizations while providing grants in thematic areas.

3. Online and Media Engagement – Amplifies youth voices through advocacy campaigns, debates, and public engagement initiatives under the #theNigeriaWeWant framework.

Thematic Priorities

1. Policy and Advocacy

• Engagement with Open Government Partnership (OGP) initiatives

• Public sector reform and policy research

• Review and implementation of National and State Youth Policies

• Legislative and regulatory reform

• Issue-based advocacy campaigns and performance tracking

2. Accountability and Transparency

• Strengthening public institutions

• Monitoring public expenditure and budget implementation

• Promoting autonomous local government administration

• Advancing community-based governance scorecards

3. Social Inclusion

• Gender equality initiatives

• Support for domestication and implementation of the Disability Act

• Inclusive civic engagement opportunities for marginalized groups

4. National Cohesion, Peace, and Security

• Conflict prevention and peacebuilding

• Youth engagement in security accountability

• Violence prevention initiatives

5. Innovation, Technology, Media, and Creative Expressions

• Digital civic platforms and tools

• Multimedia storytelling and campaigns

• Creative arts for youth-led social impact

Grant Details

• Maximum Grant Amount: $50,000 per organization

• Purpose: Support regional hubs that coordinate youth-led initiatives aligned with NYFF thematic priorities

• Expected Outcomes: Strong regional implementation, cross-state coordination, measurable social impact

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) or relevant state authorities; unregistered groups may partner with a registered organization

• Be youth-driven civic and transformation organizations

• Demonstrate a proven track record in implementing youth-focused projects

• Possess legal documentation, including SCUML certificate

• Maintain a physical office and corporate bank account

• Have the financial and operational capacity to manage grant funds responsibly

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Verify organizational registration and youth-driven status

• Ensure alignment with NYFF thematic priorities

Step 2: Prepare Application Materials

• Project proposal demonstrating regional coordination capacity

• Organizational profile, legal documentation, SCUML certificate

• Financial records and management plan for grant funds

• Supporting documentation demonstrating past achievements

Step 3: Submit Application

• Complete the NYFF application form online

• Attach all required documents and supporting evidence

• Ensure submission before the stated deadline

Step 4: Review and Selection

• Applications are evaluated based on alignment with thematic priorities, implementation capacity, regional reach, and potential for social impact

• Successful applicants receive grants and ongoing monitoring support from NYFF

Why This Fund Matters

• Strengthens youth leadership and governance engagement across Nigeria

• Builds capacity for civic advocacy and transformative youth initiatives

• Promotes regional coordination for scalable youth-led projects

• Encourages inclusion, innovation, and creative approaches to social challenges

• Supports the development of #theNigeriaWeWant through measurable youth-led interventions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without formal registration or a valid partnership with a registered organization

• Failing to demonstrate youth-driven leadership and project experience

• Submitting incomplete legal or financial documentation

• Ignoring regional coordination and thematic alignment requirements

• Overlooking SCUML or other mandatory certificates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum grant amount?

$50,000 per organization.

2. Who is eligible to apply?

Youth-driven civic and transformation organizations registered with CAC or partnering with a registered entity.

3. What thematic areas are supported?

Policy and advocacy, accountability and transparency, social inclusion, peacebuilding, innovation, technology, media, and creative expressions.

4. Can unregistered groups apply?

Yes, if partnered with a registered organization.

5. What documentation is required?

Registration certificates, SCUML certificate, corporate bank account details, project proposal, and financial records.

6. How are applications evaluated?

Based on thematic alignment, implementation capacity, regional coordination, and social impact.

7. What is the role of selected organizations?

Serve as regional hubs, coordinate youth-led initiatives, and implement programs aligned with NYFF priorities.

Conclusion

The Nigeria Youth Futures Fund 2026 provides strategic grants to empower youth-led organizations, strengthen governance engagement, and promote inclusive social development. By focusing on regional hubs with strong implementation capacity, the program ensures that youth initiatives create meaningful impact across Nigeria’s states while fostering innovation, accountability, and civic participation.