Deadline: August 10, 2025
Are you a changemaker aged 18–35 from a Commonwealth country? The Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust Network for Young Leaders 2025 offers a golden opportunity to elevate your social impact initiative to the global stage. Whether you’re tackling climate change, education, gender equity or health, this initiative can connect you with funding, training, and a powerful network of young leaders like yourself.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through all you need to know about the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust Network for Young Leaders 2025—including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
About the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust (QECT)
Formerly known as the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust (QCT), the organisation officially became the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust (QECT) on 4 July 2025. QECT continues its mission to support youth-led initiatives across the Commonwealth through flexible grant funding, bespoke training, and access to a powerful global community of peers and mentors.
The Trust is home to more than 850 young leaders and supports impactful work across more than 40 countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, India, Ghana, and beyond.
What is the Young Leaders Network?
The Young Leaders Network is QECT’s flagship platform for young social entrepreneurs and changemakers. Once accepted, members gain:
- Capacity-building support through curated toolkits and learning resources
- Access to funding, including the Youth Ventures Programme
- Connections to peers, mentors, and international visibility
- Opportunities to participate in global leadership forums and high-profile events
Joining the network is free but competitive—emphasising innovation, inclusion, and sustainability.
Youth Ventures Programme: Up to £20,000 in Funding
In parallel with the network, the Youth Ventures Programme offers up to £20,000/year for two years in unrestricted funding for selected ventures. This programme is designed to support existing, scalable projects that are already creating measurable social impact.
Recent recipients have included youth-led initiatives in:
- Mental health
- Girls’ education
- Rural tech empowerment
- Environmental sustainability
Funding is coupled with ongoing mentorship and access to growth-focused resources.
Awards & Recognition
QECT is also a key partner in the Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work, where:
- 20 finalists receive £1,000 each
- 5 regional winners receive an additional £2,000
- One standout becomes the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, earning even more support
QECT has sponsored dedicated prizes worth up to £20,000, spotlighting social enterprise innovation and community impact.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust Network for Young Leaders 2025, you must:
- Be aged 18–35
- Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country
- Be actively leading a social-impact initiative
- Demonstrate potential for scalability, innovation, and sustainability
- Be committed to inclusive leadership and community engagement
Application Process
Applications are completed online and typically involve:
- A written application detailing your initiative
- A short video introduction (optional but encouraged)
- Supporting documents or endorsements (as requested)
👉 Click here to Apply Now
📘 Read More about the Programme
Note: Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements and prepare your materials thoroughly.
Why You Should Apply
Being a part of the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust Network for Young Leaders 2025 means joining a legacy of excellence and youth-driven change. You gain access not just to funding, but to international credibility, leadership exposure, and a trusted network of collaborators and mentors.
Need Help With Your Application?
Let your ideas shine with a well-prepared proposal. Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
