Applications are open for the Girl Up Project Awards 2026. This grant supports youth-led gender-justice projects through trust-based funding and leadership support. Youth aged 13 to 25 can apply under one of two funding tiers. The Leader of Self tier supports projects requesting up to US$500, while the Leader of Peers tier supports projects requesting up to US$1,000. In addition, selected participants receive onboarding, mentorship, and cohort-based support.
Application Deadline:
- 31 October 2026 (Applications open on October 15 and close on October 31; no extensions).
Tell Me About The Program:
The Girl Up Project Awards are trust-based grants designed to power youth-led social impact ideas, advance leadership skills, build technical expertise, and amplify political influence in communities worldwide. Rooted in four core principles—trust-based, youth-led, feminist, and movement-building—the awards provide direct financial support to young changemakers dedicated to advancing gender justice.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Gender Justice & Equality
- Community Development & Social Innovation
- STEM for Social Good, Education, and Civic Advocacy
Type:
Youth Social Impact Grants / Trust-Based Leadership Awards
Who can Apply:
- Age Requirements: Open to youth leaders aged 13 to 25.
- Entity Type: Funding goes directly to youth groups, grassroots activists, and Girl Up Clubs+ rather than formal legal entities or registered nonprofits.
- Adult Co-Signer: If applicants are under 18 years old, an adult supervisor/parent/guardian is required to authorize and co-sign the receipt of funds.
- Geographic Eligibility: Open globally, with specific compliance exceptions:
- Ineligible regions: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, North Korea, the Russian Federation, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or occupied parts of Ukraine.
- Additional screening required: China, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iraq, Palestine, Venezuela, and Yemen.
How are Applicants Selected:
Applications are evaluated based on the applicant’s clarity of vision, community impact potential, and alignment with gender justice and leadership development principles. Applicants can apply to specific tiers matching their current context (such as Leader of Self up to US$500 or *Leader of Peers* up to US$1,000).
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (excluding designated international sanction/compliance zones and countries requiring secondary screening as noted above).
Where will the Program be Taken:
Local community implementation worldwide.
How Many Fellows:
Multiple youth leaders and groups selected annually across active project tiers.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Financial Grants:
- Up to US$500 for Leader of Self tier.
- Up to US$1,000 for Leader of Peers tier.
- Flexible Funding Usage: Funds can cover project needs including materials, venues, transport, food, printing, digital tools, stipends, and accessibility costs (interpretation or childcare).
- Leadership Development: Participation in the Innovation Lab onboarding, mentorship calls with alumni, and regional cohort networking.
How Long Will it Last:
Projects run between January and April, concluding with a final report due by April 30.
How to Apply:
- Review the Project Awards FAQ, application questions, and download application packages via the Girl Up portal.
- Select the appropriate tier (Leader of Self or Leader of Peers) matching your project context.
- Complete and submit your application online before the strict deadline on 31 October 2026.
👉 Visit the official grant page for details
