Deadline: March 31, 2026
The NYFF Youth Leadership Development Fund 2026 is now open for applications, offering grants of up to $50,000 to support bold, youth-led initiatives across Nigeria. This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen youth leadership, civic engagement, democratic participation, and social inclusion within the country.
If you are a young changemaker or youth-led organisation working to advance accountability, policy reform, peacebuilding, or innovation, this fund presents a significant opportunity to scale your impact.
About the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF)
The Youth Leadership Development Fund is an initiative of the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), a youth empowerment programme implemented by LEAP Africa.
The programme is supported by leading global philanthropic partners including the MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Luminate.
NYFF was established to build a thriving youth ecosystem in Nigeria by supporting young leaders and youth-focused institutions that are driving democratic development, civic innovation, and social transformation.
NYFF Youth Leadership Development Fund 2026
The NYFF Youth Leadership Development Fund 2026 provides financial and institutional support to young people and youth-led organisations implementing high-impact initiatives that contribute to:
- Strengthening democratic governance
- Promoting youth participation in civic processes
- Enhancing transparency and accountability
- Advancing inclusion and national cohesion
This fund recognises that youth leadership is essential for Nigeria’s democratic and socio-economic development.
Priority Thematic Areas
Applicants must align their proposed initiatives with one or more of the following thematic areas:
1. Policy & Advocacy
- Influencing youth-centred policies
- Supporting policy implementation
- Driving systemic reform through advocacy
2. Electoral Engagement & Democratic Participation
- Voter education and awareness
- Electoral reform initiatives
- Youth participation in democratic processes
3. Accountability & Transparency
- Public budget tracking
- Governance monitoring
- Civic technology for transparency
4. Social Inclusion
- Gender equality initiatives
- Disability inclusion
- Programmes promoting equal access to opportunities
5. National Cohesion & Peacebuilding
- Peacebuilding initiatives
- Strengthening trust between citizens and security institutions
- Civic-security collaboration projects
6. Cross-Cutting Priorities
- Innovation and technology-driven solutions
- Media and creative civic engagement
- Digital mobilisation strategies
Grant Categories and Funding Amounts
The NYFF Youth Leadership Development Fund 2026 offers three funding tiers:
Small Grants (Approximately $1,000)
- Targeted at individual young advocates
- Designed to support early-stage ideas and grassroots initiatives
Development Grants (Up to $10,000)
- For youth-led and community-focused organisations
- Supports structured projects with measurable impact
Catalyst Grants (Up to $50,000)
- For civic hubs and innovation centres
- Intended for regional anchors strengthening youth ecosystems
- Supports large-scale coordination, ecosystem-building, and institutional capacity
Eligibility Criteria
Individual Applicants
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old
- Demonstrated track record in youth leadership, civic engagement, or advocacy
- Must be implementing projects aligned with NYFF thematic priorities
Organisational Applicants
- Must be youth-led or youth-focused
- Legally registered (where applicable)
- Actively engaged in civic, governance, inclusion, or democratic initiatives
- Clearly aligned with the fund’s objectives
Application Process
The application process typically includes:
- A short pre-application stage
- Submission of a detailed proposal using the prescribed template
- Review and selection based on alignment, impact potential, feasibility, and sustainability
Applicants are encouraged to clearly articulate:
- The problem they aim to address
- Their proposed solution
- Expected outcomes and measurable impact
- Sustainability and scalability plans
Deadline
Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
Late submissions are typically not considered, so early preparation is strongly advised.
Why You Should Apply
The NYFF Youth Leadership Development Fund 2026 is more than just financial support. It is an opportunity to:
- Strengthen youth-led democratic engagement
- Scale innovative civic solutions
- Build institutional credibility
- Contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development
If you are passionate about transforming governance, inclusion, and accountability in Nigeria, this fund is designed for you.
Need Help With Your Proposal?
If you require professional support with proposal drafting, refining, or review, contact us for expert guidance to strengthen your application and improve your chances of success.
Application Links
Apply Here: Click to Submit Your Application
Read More About the Programme: Click to Learn More
Prepare early, align strongly with the thematic areas, and submit a compelling proposal before the deadline.
