Applications are now open for the 2026 Youth Leadership Development Fund (YLDF) Grant Cycle under the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF). This funding opportunity offers grants of up to $10,000 to support youth-led initiatives and organizations working to strengthen Nigeria’s youth ecosystem.
The fund is designed to empower young leaders and organizations that can serve as regional hubs aligned with the programme’s thematic focus areas. The grant is co-funded by the MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Luminate Group.
The Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) is a five-year collaborative initiative led by LEAP Africa in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Luminate Group. The programme aims to strengthen youth leadership in Nigeria through outcome-driven policy engagement and inclusive funding that enables young people to actively shape the country’s long-term development plans. The 2026 YLDF Grant Cycle targets bold, impact-driven young leaders and organizations ready to transform ideas into measurable results.
The grant structure includes two main categories. The Small Grant provides $1,000 in funding, while the Development Grant offers up to $10,000. Available grant programmes include the Individual and Development Grant Application as well as the Catalyst Grant Application.
At the individual level, applicants must be Young Change Makers aged 18 to 35 with a proven track record of implementing sustainable solutions that address the programme’s thematic areas. Applicants must demonstrate strong knowledge of youth activism, strategic planning, and project management. They should also show experience in community or team building rooted in honesty and integrity. Passion, creativity, and innovative thinking are essential. Each applicant must present valid identification or be affiliated with a recognized institution and provide two reputable referees.
At the organizational level, applicants must be formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of Nigeria or any other relevant state registration body. Unregistered groups may apply through a registered partner organization. Eligible organizations must be youth-driven civic or transformation-focused entities working on sustainable solutions within the thematic areas. They must demonstrate a credible track record, possess a SCUML certificate and other required legal documents, maintain a physical office address and corporate bank account, and show strong reach within their proposed state of implementation. Financial records reflecting good standing and two reputable referees are also required.
Applicants must submit a concept note or proposal of no more than 3,000 words, following the provided guidelines and template. To apply, visit: https://leapafrica.smapply.io/prog/lst/
