Billion Acts of Peace Changemaker Fellowship 2026: Apply for Up to US$5,000 in Project Funding

Application Deadline::September 28, 2026

Applications are now open for the Billion Acts of Peace Changemaker Fellowship 2026, a global opportunity for young leaders who are already taking action to address social challenges in their communities.

Powered by the PeaceJam Foundation, the one-year fellowship is designed for changemakers aged 18–30 working in areas such as peace, justice, equity and social change. Selected fellows can receive up to US$5,000 in project funding, alongside mentorship, leadership development and access to a global community of changemakers.

For young Africans building grassroots initiatives, social enterprises, nonprofits or community projects, this fellowship offers more than funding. It provides an opportunity to strengthen an existing solution, gain international exposure and learn from experienced leaders working for positive change.

Applications close on September 28, 2026, so eligible applicants should begin preparing early.

About the Billion Acts of Peace Changemaker Fellowship

The Billion Acts of Peace Changemaker Fellowship supports young people who have moved beyond simply having an idea and are already building something meaningful.

Fellows become part of a global community focused on addressing major social challenges through practical action. The programme connects participants with mentors and other changemakers while helping them develop the leadership skills required to create sustainable impact.

The fellowship is particularly relevant to emerging leaders whose projects have started gaining traction but are not yet operating at significant scale.

What Fellows Can Gain

Participants can benefit from:

• Up to US$5,000 in project funding to strengthen or expand an existing initiative.
• Year-long leadership development through monthly learning and mentorship sessions.
• Tailored coaching to help participants develop their leadership and impact.
• A global changemaker network involving young leaders, nonprofit professionals and other members of the PeaceJam community.
• Opportunities to connect with PeaceJam events and conferences.
• Exposure to experienced changemakers and the lessons of Nobel Peace Laureates.
• Practical development in peacebuilding, collaboration, purpose and social change.

The programme also develops six core competencies: positive power and purpose, inclusive communities, compassionate leadership, peacebuilding, global citizenship and interconnectedness, and becoming a change agent.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is intended for young changemakers who:

• Are 18–30 years old.
• Are already leading or actively developing a project, initiative or organisation.
• Are working on issues connected to peace, justice, equity or social change.
• Address one of the Billion Acts of Peace 10 Key Issue Areas.
• Have an emerging nonprofit, grassroots initiative, activist project, social enterprise or mission-driven business.
• Have progressed beyond the idea stage and are beginning to gain traction.
• Are willing to participate actively, collaborate and be accountable throughout the fellowship.

This is therefore not simply an opportunity for someone with a promising idea. Applicants should be able to demonstrate real action, learning and early evidence of impact.

How to Apply and Key Date

Interested applicants should complete the fellowship application through the official Billion Acts of Peace platform.

Application deadline: September 28, 2026
Fellowship duration: One year
Location: Global/Remote

Before submitting, carefully review the official requirements and provide accurate information about your project, activities and impact.

Why You Should Apply

For emerging changemakers, one of the biggest advantages of this fellowship is the combination of capital, coaching and community.

US$5,000 can help an early-stage initiative test a new approach, reach more beneficiaries, purchase essential resources or strengthen an existing programme. However, the leadership development may prove equally valuable because sustainable social impact requires more than money.

Tips for a Strong Application

1. Show what you have already done.
Don’t focus only on what you hope to accomplish. Explain the actions you have taken, who you have served and what you have learned.

2. Use evidence.
Where possible, include measurable results such as people reached, activities completed, partnerships developed or improvements achieved.

3. Explain the problem clearly.
Show that you understand the community challenge and why your approach is relevant.

4. Connect your project to peace and social change.
Make the link between your work and the fellowship’s mission clear rather than assuming reviewers will make the connection themselves.

5. Be authentic.
The organisers want to understand the applicant’s genuine experience and motivation. Write in your own voice rather than producing an overly polished application that does not sound like you.

6. Be specific about growth.
Explain how mentorship, leadership development and potential project funding could help your initiative move to its next stage.

Conclusion

The Billion Acts of Peace Changemaker Fellowship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for young leaders who are already turning ideas into action. With project funding, mentorship, leadership development and international connections, the programme can help promising initiatives strengthen their foundation and increase their impact.

If you are 18–30 and already building a project for peace, justice, equity or social change, consider applying before the September 28, 2026 deadline.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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