Deadline: March 31, 2026
Applications are open for the NYFF Youth Leadership Development Fund 2026. The Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) invites applications from young changemakers, youth-led organisations, and civic innovation hubs for the 2026 Youth Leadership Development Fund (YLDF). This grant cycle supports bold, youth-led ideas that strengthen Nigeria’s youth ecosystem and advance good governance, inclusion, and democratic participation.
The NYFF is a collaborative initiative implemented by LEAP Africa and funded by the MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Luminate. It supports youth leadership through inclusive resourcing, capacity strengthening, and policy engagement aimed at advancing #TheNigeriaWeWant.
Thematic Areas
Applicants may apply under one or more of the following areas:
- Policy & Advocacy (youth engagement in public policy, OGP, youth policy implementation)
- Electoral Engagement & Democratic Participation (electoral reforms, voter education, accountability)
- Accountability & Transparency (budget tracking, public service delivery, local governance)
- Social Inclusion (gender equality, disability inclusion, marginalised groups)
- National Cohesion, Peace & Security (peacebuilding, conflict prevention, civic-security trust)
- Cross-cutting Priority: Innovation, Technology, Media, and Creative Expression
Grants
- Small Grants: $1,000 (Individuals / young advocates)
- Development Grants: $10,000 (Youth-led, community-based organisations)
- Catalyst Grants: $50,000 (Civic & innovation hubs serving as regional youth ecosystem anchors)
Eligibility
- Individuals: Young changemakers aged 18–35 with a proven track record in youth or civic work.
- Organisations: Registered, youth-led and youth-focused organisations working in line with the thematic areas.
Application
Applicants will complete a short pre-application stage and submit a proposal following the provided template.
For more information, visit NYFF Youth Leadership Development Fund.
