[December 2025]
Investing in youth leadership is investing in the future. We have curated a listing of funding opportunities that support young leaders in developing their potential and making meaningful impact.
GTF Olympiad Grants to nurture High-potential STEM Students
Deadline: 31-Jan-2026
The Global Talent Fund Olympiad Grants support organizations worldwide that identify and develop high-potential high school students through STEM competitions and enrichment programs. The grants fund innovative, hands-on STEM initiatives that build problem-solving skills, creativity, and future leadership in science and technology fields…[more]
Request for Applications: Doctoral INPhINIT Fellowships Programme
Deadline: 28-Jan-2026
The “la Caixa” Foundation Doctoral INPhINIT Fellowships Programme funds international PhD candidates to pursue doctoral research in Spain or Portugal across health, life sciences, STEM, and engineering fields. The programme combines competitive financial support with advanced transversal skills training, targeting early-career researchers who have not yet started a PhD…[more]
Call for Applications: Go Global MBA Scholarship 2026
Deadline: 24-Apr-2026
The Go Global MBA Scholarship provides up to $7,000 to support international students pursuing an MBA abroad, focusing on emerging leaders with global ambitions and sustainable career goals. Open to candidates from any country with less than five years of work experience, the program requires a short application form and essay, followed by a structured selection process. Winners receive financial support and recognition to advance their global business education…[more]
Apply Now: The Prestigious Global Mentorship Programme
Deadline: 25-Jan-2026
The Global Entrepreneurs and Leaders Academy (GELA) offers a hybrid, globally collaborative mentorship and skills program for youth aged 18–35, focusing on employability, leadership, and social impact. The initiative targets marginalized and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, providing soft-skills training, mentorship, international exposure, certification, and internship or job opportunities. Applications for the 2026 cohort are open until January 25, 2026, with the program running from February 1 for three months…[more]
Open Call for ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition
Deadline: 16-Jan-2026
The Lauritzen Foundation offers grants to projects that support vulnerable children in Denmark, helping them access education and employment while promoting well-being and essential life skills. Funding prioritizes initiatives with measurable impact, innovative approaches, and sustainability…[more]
Call for Applications: Aspire Leaders Program (Cohort 1)
Deadline: 21-Jan-2026
The Aspire Institute’s Aspire Leaders Program offers a free online leadership development journey for limited-income and first-generation university students and recent graduates worldwide. Participants engage in a multi-module program co-created with Harvard University faculty, featuring professional development, immersive masterclasses, and a global peer network…[more]
Open Call for Clergy and Religious Leaders Fellowship Program
Deadline: 04-Jan-2026
Applicants are now invited to submit applications for the Clergy and Religious Leaders Fellowship Program to critically examine constructs, current developments and issues that raise ethical concerns in their professions in contemporary settings in which they work…[more]
Open Call for Hansen Leadership Institute Scholarship
Deadline: 15-Mar-2026
The Hansen Leadership Institute Scholarship is a fully funded, three-week global leadership program held from July 1–22, 2026, offering training in leadership, conflict resolution, human rights, and cross-cultural collaboration. It brings together young leaders aged 20–25 from around the world to build communication skills, foster international cooperation, and strengthen peacebuilding capacities. All major costs—including airfare, housing, meals, and program fees—are covered…[more]
Open Call for Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge
Deadline: 15-Jan-2026
The Learning Planet Institute is driving an intergenerational, global movement to build a Learning Planet Academy, supported by UNESCO and the United Nations University, adapted to transitions across the world…[more]
Applications open for FASPE Law Fellowship Program
Deadline: 04-Jan-2026
Entries are now open for the FASPE Law Fellowship Program to critically examine constructs, current developments and issues that raise ethical concerns in their professions in contemporary settings in which they work…[more]
Call for Applications: FASPE Medical Fellowship Program
Deadline: 04-Jan-2026
The FASPE Medical Fellowship Program offers an intensive two-week study program in professional ethics and ethical leadership for medical students and residents…[more]
Open Call: Study a Master’s in Europe Scholarship 2026
Deadline: 15-May-2026
The Study a Master’s in Europe Scholarship offers €5,000 to support international students pursuing a Master’s degree in Europe starting Fall 2026. The scholarship targets high-achieving, globally minded students with strong academic records, extracurricular involvement, and motivation to make a positive impact. Applications are open for both on-campus and online Master’s programs offered by European institutions…[more]
Second Call of Sustain Champion Awards Program in Tanzania and Mozambique
Deadline: 16-Jan-2026
The Sustain Champions Awards Program supports youth-led innovations that strengthen water security and climate resilience in Mozambique and Tanzania. The program provides small grants, mentorship, and global visibility to young innovators developing locally grounded solutions for climate adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable water management…[more]
CFAs: eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN (eYAA) Cohort 6
Deadline: 25-Jan-2026
The eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN (eYAA) Cohort 6 programme by the ASEAN Foundation supports young changemakers aged 19–35 to gain hands-on community development experience across Southeast Asia. The initiative builds future-ready leadership skills while enabling youth to co-create inclusive, sustainable social impact projects with local organisations across ASEAN…[more]
Apply Now: The Va’adia-BARD Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (US and Israel)
Deadline: 15-Jan-2026
The Vaadia-BARD Postdoctoral Fellowship supports early-career scientists from the U.S. and Israel to conduct advanced agricultural research abroad for 1–2 years. The program funds innovative work in areas including AI and Smart Farming and Regenerative Agriculture, providing up to $64,000 and potential second-year matching. Fellows must show strong academic performance and submit detailed research and mentor documentation…[more]
Applications open for AFS Global STEM Academies Program
Deadline: 15-Jan-2026
The AFS Global STEM Academies Program offers youth aged 15–17.5 a blended virtual and international experience focused on STEM, sustainability, and global competence. Participants complete a 12-week online curriculum followed by a four-week study abroad in Brazil, China, Egypt, or India, with full scholarships covering most program costs…[more]
Apply for AU-EU Youth Action Lab Cooperation Grant Program 2026
Deadline: 12-Feb-2026
The Cooperation Grants fund youth-led, cross-continental partnerships between African and European non-profits. Each 12-month grant provides €50,000 to consortiums that empower young leaders to shape policy, strengthen civil society, and drive collaborative projects. The programme prioritizes youth governance, formal registration, and clear organisational capacity…[more]
RFAs: AU-EU Youth Action Lab Representation Grant Program 2026
Deadline: 07-Jan-2026
The African Youth Action Lab’s Representation Grants fund youth-led, non-profit organisations to deliver 12-month projects in twelve African countries. Grants range from €10,000–€20,000 and prioritize youth leadership, formal registration, and cross-continental collaboration. The programme strengthens youth capacity, fosters Africa–Europe cooperation, and supports impactful community-based initiatives…[more]
AU-EU Youth Action Lab Entrepreneurship Grant Program 2026
Deadline: 07-Jan-2026
The Entrepreneurship Grants provide up to €30,000 to youth-led, mission-driven organisations in Africa that are creating social and economic impact through sustainable enterprises. The program strengthens youth-led social enterprises by funding growth, addressing operational gaps, and fostering shared learning across youth networks. Eligible organisations must be fully youth-governed, operate in one of 12 focus countries, and reinvest profits into their social or environmental mission…[more]
Apply Now: AU-EU Youth Action Lab Innovation Grant Program 2026
Deadline: 07-Jan-2026
The Innovation Grants provide €30,000–€40,000 to youth-led, mission-driven organizations in 12 African countries developing creative solutions to global and intersectional challenges. The program funds 32 youth-led innovation projects over 12 months, supporting bold ideas, experimentation and transformative community impact. Eligible organizations must be fully governed and implemented by young people aged 18–35…[more]
Request for Applications: Community Organizing Grants Program
Deadline: 31-January-2026
Each fund has a specific focus, allowing applicants to choose the one that best aligns with their mission and the communities they serve…[more]
Open Call: FIP Foundation Early Career Leadership Development Scholarships
Deadline: 7-January-2026
Objectives of the scholarships: To assist young pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists or pharmacy educators from low, lower-middle or upper-middle-income countries to attend an FIP World Congress. To provide an opportunity for the recipient to further develop his/her leadership skills and knowledge and to apply these skills in future professional organisation leadership roles. To support the recipient in applying leadership skills to improve pharmaceutical practice, pharmaceutical sciences and/or pharmaceutical education in his/her home country and globally…[more]
Submissions Open: European Vocational Education and Training Initiative (France and Italy)
Deadline: 21-May-2026
The Villum Fonden is now accepting applications for its European Vocational Education and Training Initiative to enable young people in Europe to become frontrunners in the digital and green transitions…[more]
Digicel PNG Foundation’s Community Grants Program (Tier 1) – Papua New Guinea
Deadline: 06-Feb-2026
The Digicel PNG Foundation Community Grants Program supports local organizations in Papua New Guinea to improve education, strengthen community leadership, and promote sustainable development. Tier One grants of up to K50,000 are available to not-for-profit organizations with statutory documentation and capacity to implement projects aligned with the Foundation’s strategic priorities. The program combines financial support with capacity-building initiatives to maximize community impact and long-term growth…[more]
Call for Proposals: Micro Grant Program (Denmark)
Deadline: 15-Mar-2026
The Mikrolegat Micro Grant Program provides early-stage funding of up to DKK 50,000 to young entrepreneurs and students in Denmark to develop ideas or strengthen newly launched businesses. The program combines financial support with mentorship, evaluation feedback, and visibility opportunities, helping applicants refine their business models and accelerate growth. Eligible participants include students, recent graduates, and young founders with innovative business concepts…[more]
CFPs: Multisectoral Response to Improve Libya’s Most Vulnerable Population
Deadline: 31-Jan-2026
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) is offering grants to improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations in Libya, with a focus on Sudanese refugees and host communities. The initiative supports health, education, WASH, protection, and explosive ordnance prevention programs, prioritizing local CSOs with strong operational capacity. Projects can run up to 18 months, with funding up to EUR 1.6 million, and require coordination with local authorities or the Italian Embassy…[more]
Apply Now: LedBy Corporate Leaders Fellowship Program (India)
Deadline: 31-Dec-2025
The LedBy Corporate Leaders Fellowship is a leadership development program designed for high-potential Indian Muslim women early in their careers. It combines intensive workshops, one-on-one mentoring, executive coaching, and long-term networking opportunities. Around 30 fellows will be selected for the 2026 cohort based on passion, professional promise, and commitment to growth…[more]
Call for Applications: Prince Albert Fund (Belgium)
Deadline: 05-Jan-2026
The Prince Albert Fund offers young Belgian graduates a €27,500 grant to manage a one-year international business development project for a Belgian company outside Europe. The program combines leadership training, hands-on project management, and professional mentorship to cultivate globally minded professionals under 30…[more]
CFAs: Supporting the Role of CSOs as Actors in Sustainable Development in Yemen
Deadline: 29-Jan-2026
The European Commission is funding civil society organisations (CSOs) in Yemen to strengthen governance, social development, and inclusive growth. Grants support women-led and youth-led CSOs, improve advocacy and service delivery, and promote economic opportunities. Projects may run 36–48 months, with grants ranging from EUR 1,000,000 to EUR 1,350,000…[more]
Small Grant Scheme for Youth-Led Organizations and Groups in Timor-Leste
Deadline: 04-Jan-2026
Plan International Timor-Leste, in partnership with Maun Kay Olok, has launched a youth-led small grants initiative providing up to USD 10,000 to youth-led organizations in Timor-Leste. The program supports projects promoting ethical leadership, social norm change, gender equality, and climate action, empowering adolescents and young adults to lead inclusive community initiatives from January to June 2026…[more]
CFAs: Aguka Ideation Programme for Rwandan Entrepreneurs
Deadline Date: January 11, 2026
Are you a young Rwandan entrepreneur aged 18–30 with a business idea or start-up in the early stage? Apply for the 2026 Aguka Ideation and stand a chance to win $3,000 in seed capital!…[more]
W.A. de Vigier Award for Young Entrepreneurs in Switzerland
Deadline: January 05, 2026
The W.A. de Vigier Award is one of Switzerland’s most prestigious startup competitions, offering emerging entrepreneurs financial support, mentorship, and nationwide recognition for their innovative ventures…[more]
Open Call: Fulbright Bulgarian Leaders Grant Program
Deadline: 06-Feb-2026
The Fulbright Bulgarian Leaders Grants provide up to $100,000 in funding for exceptional Bulgarian MA and PhD candidates admitted to top 15 US university programs. The grant supports tuition, living costs, travel, and health insurance, with a mandatory three-year return requirement to strengthen Bulgaria’s academic, public, and private sectors…[more]
Submissions open for the Teach for India Fellowship Program
Deadline: 08-Feb-2026
Applicants are now invited to submit applications for the Teach for India Fellowship Program to revolutionise education in India…[more]
Applications open for New Earth Foundation Grant Program in United States
Deadline: 01-Feb-2026
The New Earth Foundation seeks to fund innovative projects that enhance life on our planet and brighten the future, furthering peace…[more]
Open call for Connect IRL Grants Program in Australia
Deadline: 20-Jan-2026
The NSW Government’s Connect IRL Grants fund initiatives that foster offline connections, mentoring, safe spaces, and pro-social activities for young people. The program focuses on reducing social isolation, building interpersonal and leadership skills, enhancing mentor capabilities, and creating long-term support networks, particularly for marginalized or geographically isolated youth…[more]
Alliance for Youth Organising Anchor Grants Program (UK)
Deadline: 26-Jan-2026
The Alliance for Youth Organising offers Anchor Grants to UK-based organisations with a strong track record in supporting youth organising. Grants provide flexible, multi-year funding to strengthen youth power, expand access to youth-led initiatives, and support organisational sustainability…[more]
Applications open for Youth Week Grant Program 2026 (New Zealand)
Deadline: 15-Mar-2026
Ara Taiohi’s Youth Week Grants support youth-led initiatives across Aotearoa New Zealand, providing up to $1,000 + GST to empower young people to design and deliver events celebrating Youth Week. Projects must be youth-led, reflect the 2026 theme “Taringa whakarongo! Ki te reo o ngā taiohi – Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard”, and promote inclusion, equity, and meaningful youth participation…[more]
