Call for Applications: Global Citizen Prize - Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 (USD $250,000 Grant)

South Africa
Social Innovators
Inclusive Innovation
Grant Funding
Social Impact

What This Opportunity Is About 

The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award is a highly prestigious and substantial funding opportunity designed to recognize and empower exceptional young leaders aged 18-30 who are leveraging technology and innovation to accelerate progress toward the United Nations Global Goals and help end extreme poverty. Established through a partnership between Cisco and Global Citizen, this award represents far more than recognition it provides a transformative $250,000 investment directly to the winner's organization to scale proven impact globally. This award specifically targets entrepreneurs, social innovators and changemakers who have moved beyond the pilot phase, demonstrated measurable results over the past three to five years, and are ready to scale their impact across the African continent and beyond. It is an ideal opportunity for African MSMEs, startups, social enterprises and non-profits with a clear track record of success and a compelling vision for using technology to solve critical development challenges. 

What Makes This Award Unique 

Unlike recognition prizes or small grants, the Global Citizen Prize provides:

  • Direct funding: $250,000 paid directly to the winner's legally registered organization (no intermediaries)
  • No matching requirements: The full amount is available immediately to support scaling operations
  • Global visibility: Winners are honored at the prestigious Global Citizen NOW event in New York City in May 2026
  • Strategic partnership recognition: Association with Cisco and Global Citizen—two globally recognized leaders in technology and social impact
  • Access to networks: Connection to influential leaders, innovators, philanthropists and fellow changemakers
  • Credibility boost: International recognition that enhances the organization's profile for future fundraising and partnerships

What the Award Funds 

The award supports scaling proven social impact initiatives in any area aligned with the UN Global Goals, particularly:

  • Poverty alleviation and economic empowerment
  • Education and skills development
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Environmental sustainability and climate action
  • Food security and agriculture
  • Gender equality and social justice
  • Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
  • Technology access and digital inclusion
  • Any other initiative contributing to the UN Global Goals

The focus is on organizations that have already demonstrated impact (not theoretical ideas) and are ready to scale proven models. 

Who Can Apply 

To be eligible for the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

Age Requirement:

  • Must be an individual between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application (as of the deadline: December 17, 2025)
  • Age is strictly verified; applicants over 30 are ineligible

Organizational Requirements:

  • Must operate or work for an existing, legally registered organization
  • Organization can be structured as:
    • Non-profit organization (NGO, charity)
    • For-profit social enterprise
    • B-Corp (Benefit Corporation)
    • Social business
    • Cooperative
    • Community-based organization (CBO)
  • Organization must have been operational for a minimum period (typically 2+ years) with demonstrated impact

Track Record Requirements:

  • Must demonstrate measurable impact at scale over the last 3-5 years
  • Impact must be quantifiable (e.g., number of lives improved, percentage reduction in a social problem, growth in service access, income generated, health outcomes improved)
  • Must provide evidence of results; promises or future projections are insufficient
  • Work must contribute to achieving one or more UN Global Goals

Technology Innovation Requirements:

  • Must demonstrate meaningful integration of technology or internet-based communications
  • Technology must demonstrably improve efficiency, accessibility, reach or impact
  • Technology can range from simple mobile communication tools to complex AI-enabled solutions
  • Must show how technology is integral to the organization's success and competitive advantage

Citizenship/Geographic Scope:

  • Open to individuals and organizations from all countries globally
  • Exception: Applicants from countries under U.S. government sanctions that restrict financial transfers are ineligible (check OFAC [Office of Foreign Assets Control] list for clarification)
  • Most African countries are eligible; applicants in sanctioned regions should verify their eligibility

Leadership Requirements:

  • Applicant must be a leader or key decision-maker in the organization, not a junior staff member
  • Should demonstrate visionary thinking and the ability to inspire other young people toward impact
  • Must be able to represent the organization at public events and in media if selected as finalist or winner

Geographic Focus:

  • Organizations can operate at local, national, regional (e.g., East Africa, West Africa) or global scale
  • Organizations with operations in Africa are particularly encouraged
  • Impact must be concrete and measurable, not aspirational

Funding and Financial Details Prize Amount:

  • Total award: USD $250,000
  • Payment structure: Full amount paid directly to the winner's legally registered organization
  • No matching funds required: The entire $250,000 is available with no requirement for co-funding or cost-sharing
  • Tax implications: Applicants should consult tax advisors regarding how the grant is taxed in their country (typically no tax if paid to registered non-profit, but varies by jurisdiction)

Permitted Use of Funds:

  • Scaling proven programs and operations
  • Staff recruitment and capacity building
  • Technology infrastructure and development
  • Geographic expansion
  • Impact measurement and monitoring systems
  • Partnerships and collaborations
  • Marketing and visibility
  • Research and evaluation
  • Any cost directly supporting scaling operations toward UN Global Goals

Financial Support Beyond the Prize:

  • Access to Global Citizen's network of funders and philanthropists for future funding opportunities
  • Potential partnership opportunities with Cisco for technology solutions
  • Mentorship and strategic guidance from Global Citizen and Cisco leaders

Application Deadline

December 17, 2025, 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT)

Hard deadline; no late submissions accepted

Finalists Announced

Around February 2, 2026

Selected finalists notified; required to submit recommendation letters

Winner Announcement

May 2026 at Global Citizen NOW

Winner honored at prestigious event in New York City

Funding Disbursement

Post-announcement

Payment processed to organization's registered account

Application Requirements and Process What You Must Submit:

  1. Completed Online Application Form
    • Personal information (name, age, contact details)
    • Organization details (name, registration number, legal structure, country of operation)
    • Overview of impact to date (3-5 years)
    • Vision and scaling plan for next 3-5 years
    • Technology innovation details
    • Budget breakdown for how the $250,000 will be used
  2. Compelling Video Pitch (Required)
    • Duration: -–2 minutes
    • Content: Explain your impact to date, your vision for the organization, and how the prize money will enable scaling
    • Quality: Does not need to be professionally produced, but must be clear and engaging
    • Critical: Applications without a video will be automatically rejected
    • Platform: Upload via the online application portal
  3. Supporting Documentation
    • Financial records or bank statements demonstrating organizational legitimacy
    • Impact metrics and case studies (quantified results)
    • Letters of recommendation (if advancing to finalist stage)
    • Organization registration certificate or legal proof of status

Finalist Requirements (If Selected): If your application advances to the finalist stage, you must quickly submit three letters of recommendation:

  1. Colleague/Co-worker Letter - From someone who works directly with you
  2. Funder/Operational Partner Letter - From a financial partner or organizational partner
  3. Beneficiary Impact Letter - From someone directly impacted by your organization's work (a community member, client, program participant)

Key Requirements for Recommendation Letters:

  • Must be submitted within a specified timeframe (typically 1-2 weeks after finalist notification)
  • Must be specific and detailed; generic letters will be disregarded
  • Contacts should be informed in advance of the submission window so they can respond quickly
  • Best to identify and brief these contacts before applying so they're ready to act

How to Apply:

  1. Visit the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award website
  2. Create an account or log in to the application portal (Skild platform: 2026cyla.skild.com)
  3. Review the official application criteria thoroughly
  4. Prepare a clear, compelling 1-2 minute video pitch
  5. Complete the online application form with all required information

Contact Information and Support For Questions:

Closing date
Industry
Professional, scientific and technical activities
​Other service activities
Website link
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/prize/youth-leadership/