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Rise Up Together launches Leadership and Advocacy Program in South Africa

Deadline: 15-Jan-2026

Rise Up Together’s 2026 Leadership and Advocacy Program in South Africa empowers emerging leaders from Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal to drive gender equity and social justice through a four-week hybrid accelerator. Participants gain advocacy skills, access a six-day residential training, and may apply for seed funding of up to $17,000 to implement community projects. The program offers mentorship, strategic guidance, and connection to a global network of social justice leaders.

Overview

Rise Up Together is accepting applications for its 2026 Leadership and Advocacy Program in South Africa, aimed at emerging leaders committed to advancing gender equity and justice. The initiative brings together participants from Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal to engage in an intensive four-week hybrid accelerator combining virtual learning and a six-day residential training from April 13–18, 2026. Participants will engage in orientation, follow-up sessions, technical assistance, and panel discussions totaling 60–65 hours of training. Participants may apply for seed funding of up to $17,000 to launch gender equity advocacy projects and compete for re-grants to expand their initiatives. The program provides ongoing mentorship, guidance in proposal development, grantmaking, and strategic planning while connecting leaders to a global social justice network.

Who Is Eligible?

  • Civil society leaders aged 18–60 working in Gauteng or KwaZulu-Natal.

  • Commitment to promoting gender equity in sectors such as health, education, and economic opportunity.

  • Experience working with marginalized groups, including people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and economically disadvantaged communities.

  • Hold positions involving coordination, management, or decision-making within nonprofit, civil society, media, or government organizations.

  • Organizational support to fully participate in the program is required.

  • Ability to attend the six-day in-person residential session; all travel, lodging, meals, and program materials are covered.

  • Organizations must be legally registered or fiscally sponsored to accept international funds.

  • Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

Program Structure

  • Hybrid Accelerator: Four weeks combining virtual and in-person learning.

  • Residential Training: Six days from April 13–18, 2026, including orientation, technical assistance, and panel discussions.

  • Follow-Up Support: Post-accelerator sessions to reinforce advocacy knowledge.

  • Total Duration: 60–65 hours of training.

Funding Opportunities

  • Seed Funding: Up to $17,000 for gender equity advocacy projects.

  • Re-Grants: Additional funding to expand or strengthen initiatives.

  • Support Services: Proposal development, strategic planning, grantmaking guidance, and professional mentorship.

Why It Matters

  • Builds advocacy and leadership skills for emerging civil society leaders.

  • Promotes systemic change in gender equity and justice.

  • Connects participants to a global network of social justice leaders.

  • Supports initiatives addressing gender-based violence, LGBTQ+ rights, economic empowerment, criminal justice, sexual and reproductive health, and child protection.

  • Enables measurable community impact through funded projects.

How to Apply / What to Do

  1. Confirm eligibility for age, location, sector, and organizational role.

  2. Prepare an application outlining current role, commitment to gender equity, and proposed project ideas.

  3. Secure organizational support and confirm capacity to receive international funds.

  4. Submit the application online before the deadline.

  5. Participate in selection activities, such as interviews or assessments, if required.

  6. Attend all virtual and in-person sessions.

  7. Apply for seed funding post-accelerator to implement advocacy projects.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to confirm eligibility requirements.

  • Not securing organizational approval or sponsorship.

  • Overlooking commitment to marginalized communities.

  • Missing residential or virtual program sessions.

  • Submitting incomplete or unclear project proposals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Who can apply? Civil society leaders aged 18–60 from Gauteng or KwaZulu-Natal working in gender equity sectors.

  2. What is the duration of the program? Four weeks, including a six-day residential training.

  3. Is travel covered? Yes, travel, lodging, meals, and program materials are covered.

  4. What is the maximum seed funding? Up to $17,000 per project.

  5. Is English proficiency required? Yes, in both written and spoken English.

  6. Can applicants outside nonprofits apply? Only if they hold leadership roles in civil society, media, or government organizations aligned with gender equity work.

  7. What types of projects are eligible for funding? Projects advancing gender equity and benefiting women, girls, and gender-nonconforming individuals.

Conclusion

Rise Up Together’s 2026 Leadership and Advocacy Program provides emerging leaders in South Africa with training, mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities to implement impactful projects, strengthen advocacy skills, and drive systemic change for gender equity and social justice.

For more information, visit Rise Up Together.