Deadline: 12-Apr-2026
The Young Health Programme Fellowship supports young leaders aged 18–30 who are driving positive change in health equity, climate impact on well-being, and health systems resilience. Fellows receive grants of USD 10,000–50,000 to implement six- to twelve-month projects and attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town. The program targets youth in underserved communities, promoting sustainable, preventive, and equitable health solutions globally.
Overview
The Young Health Programme Fellowship identifies and empowers young advocates leading organisations that improve the health and well-being of youth. The fellowship:
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Advances health equity by addressing non-communicable diseases and rare conditions
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Promotes climate and nature action impacting youth health
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Strengthens health systems resilience through early intervention and collaborative solutions
Fellows gain access to global networks, professional development, and funding to implement impactful projects.
Fellowship Focus Areas
Health Equity and Disease Prevention
Projects should focus on preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by addressing behavioral risk factors, such as:
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Tobacco use
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Physical inactivity
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Harmful alcohol consumption
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Unhealthy diets
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Air pollution
Projects may also support youth living with rare diseases.
Climate and Nature Action
Fellows may develop projects that:
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Mitigate health impacts of climate change on youth
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Address environmental factors affecting well-being
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Advocate for youth-centric sustainability solutions
Health Systems Resilience
Projects may contribute to:
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Strengthening equitable and responsive health systems
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Promoting early intervention strategies
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Supporting collaborative approaches to current and future health challenges
Grant Details
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Grant Amounts: USD 10,000 or USD 50,000
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Lead2030 Winner: USD 50,000 awarded to fellows selected for Sustainable Development Goal excellence
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Project Duration: 6–12 months, starting after October 2026 and completed by December 2027
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Eligible Organisations for USD 10,000: Annual income USD 10,000–1,000,000
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Eligible Organisations for USD 50,000: Annual income USD 100,000–2,000,000
All organisations must be funding-ready, with verified charitable status, governance, and financial position via the Charities Aid Foundation.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must:
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Be aged 18–30
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Demonstrate English proficiency
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Attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town (November 2026)
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Be founders or leaders of registered non-profit organisations operational for at least three years
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Work in underserved communities
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Nationals of any country are eligible
Ineligible Projects Include:
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Promoting political or religious views
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Providing medical treatments or medicines
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Funding other organisations
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Projects longer than 12 months
How to Apply / How It Works
Step-by-Step Process:
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Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your age, English proficiency, and organisational criteria meet the requirements.
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Develop Project Proposal: Align the project with at least one fellowship focus area.
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Verify Organisation: Complete Charities Aid Foundation verification of charitable status, governance, and finances.
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Submit Application: Provide project details, organisational documentation, and verification proof.
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Selection and Notification: Successful applicants are informed and matched with grant awards.
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Attend Summit: Fellows participate in the One Young World Summit in Cape Town (November 2026).
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Implement Project: Launch and run projects over 6–12 months, leveraging mentorship and networks provided by the fellowship.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Young Health Programme Fellowship:
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Empowers youth to lead transformative health projects
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Enhances preventive health and early intervention strategies
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Supports equitable and climate-conscious solutions in underserved communities
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Provides financial and professional resources to scale impact
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Creates a global network of young health leaders
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Exceeding Project Duration: Ensure projects run no longer than 12 months.
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Targeting Ineligible Activities: Avoid political, religious, or medical treatment-focused projects.
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Skipping Verification: Complete Charities Aid Foundation verification before applying.
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Neglecting Community Focus: Projects must directly benefit underserved youth populations.
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Missing Summit Attendance: Fellows must be able to attend the One Young World Summit in person.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the fellowship?
Young leaders aged 18–30 who lead registered non-profit organisations serving underserved communities.
2. What is the grant amount and duration?
Fellows receive USD 10,000–50,000 to implement projects lasting 6–12 months.
3. Are international applicants eligible?
Yes, applicants from all countries are welcome.
4. What kind of projects are eligible?
Projects addressing NCD prevention, rare diseases, climate and nature impacts on youth health, or strengthening health systems.
5. Can the fellowship fund medical treatments or political initiatives?
No, projects promoting politics, religion, or providing medical treatments are not eligible.
6. Is organisational income important for grant eligibility?
Yes, income thresholds differ for USD 10,000 and USD 50,000 grants.
7. Is attendance at the One Young World Summit required?
Yes, fellows must attend the summit in Cape Town in November 2026.
Conclusion
The Young Health Programme Fellowship equips young leaders to transform youth health globally. By providing funding, mentorship, and access to international networks, the program ensures that innovative projects addressing health equity, climate impact, and resilient health systems can thrive, delivering measurable impact in underserved communities.
For more information, visit One Young World.