Applications have opened for the 2026 Growing Roots Grant for Nigeria, offering funding of up to $10,000 USD per group for new and emerging projects and ideas that aim to improve the lives of communities on the frontlines of climate change. The grant targets early-stage initiatives and is accompanied by ongoing mentorship to support project growth and delivery.
The Micro-grants program is led by Roots and made possible through the financial backing and support of the Urban Movement Innovation Fund. The grant is seeking new and emerging projects that are no older than one year and that create meaningful impact in three key focus areas linked to community resilience and social change.
One focus area is strategic dialogue and narrative building. This includes projects that create spaces for dialogue and shared understanding in divided or polarised contexts, counter misinformation or disinformation, strengthen relationships within communities, and build bridges between communities, authorities, institutions, or coalitions in ways that shift narratives and support local organising.
Another priority area is advocacy-oriented initiatives. These are projects that seek to influence concrete public policy or legislation, or contribute to changes in local or municipal policies through advocacy work, research, or civic engagement activities that encourage participation and accountability.
The third area is community autonomy initiatives. These projects are expected to build or strengthen infrastructure, systems, or resources that are owned and managed by the community itself, while also strengthening long-term community power and sustainable local structures.
Successful applicants will also benefit from structured support. This includes a coaching program where coaches support projects from inception to implementation, with a six-monthly reporting cycle. Grantees will also receive capacity-building support through access to Roots training and workshops across core programmes such as organising, creative storytelling, resilience and wellbeing, and counter-disinformation, alongside affiliated communities of practice.
Media and social media support will also be provided, with grantees amplified through Roots social media channels using storytelling opportunities, videos, and posts to increase visibility and reach.
Grants will be offered to between eight and ten grassroots youth-led initiatives from Global South regions, including Sub-Saharan Africa. Applications are also accepted from diaspora and BIPOC communities located in Global North countries. Eligible initiatives must be led by people aged between 18 and 35 years, with most group members and decision-makers within this age range. Groups do not need to be legally registered to apply, and video submissions are required to help present projects clearly.
Applications are open from February 8 to February 28, 2026, with notifications expected by mid-April 2026.
To apply for Growing Roots Grant, interested applicants should visit https://forms.gle/W8d2F9auTCbngMz9A and apply.
