Call for Applications: NYFF Youth Leadership Development Fund 2026 | up to $50,000

Call for Applications: NYFF Youth Leadership Development Fund 2026 | up to $50,000

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 promote good governance, inclusion, and democratic participation.

Implemented by LEAP Africa and funded by the MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Luminate, the initiative focuses on inclusive resourcing, capacity building, and policy engagement to advance #TheNigeriaWeWant.

Thematic Areas

Applicants may apply under one or more of the following:

• 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, marginalized groups
• National Cohesion, Peace & Security: Peacebuilding, conflict prevention, civic-security trust
• Cross-cutting Priority: Innovation, technology, media, and creative expression

Also Apply: Apply Now: She Code Africa Laptop Scholarship 2026 (Cycle 2)

Grants Available

• Small Grants: $1,000 – for individuals or young advocates
• Development Grants: $10,000 – for youth-led, community-based organisations
• Catalyst Grants: $50,000 – for civic & innovation hubs serving as regional youth ecosystem anchors

Eligibility

• Individuals: Young changemakers aged 18–35 with proven experience in youth or civic work
• Organisations: Registered, youth-led, and youth-focused organisations aligned with the thematic areas