Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) – Youth Leadership Development Fund Grants

شروط الأهلية

Individual applicants must be 18-35 years old with a proven track record in activism. Organizational applicants must be formally registered, youth-driven civic/transformation organizations.

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## Overview The Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), a collaborative initiative by LEAP Africa, MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Luminate Group, is inviting applications for its Youth Leadership Development Fund 2026. This grant program is designed to strengthen youth leadership, civic engagement, and ecosystem building in Nigeria. It aims to support both individuals and organizations dedicated to fostering positive change in areas such as governance, social inclusion, and peacebuilding. ## Benefits Successful applicants will receive financial support ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the grant category. Beyond financial aid, this initiative offers a crucial opportunity to: strengthen youth-led initiatives across key thematic areas; leverage technology, media, and creative arts for enhanced civic engagement; and support marginalized groups, explicitly including Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and initiatives promoting gender equality. The grants are disbursed in two tranches (50% + 50%) based on the achievement of agreed milestones. ## Eligibility **Individual-level applicants:** * Must be between 18 and 35 years of age. * Must possess a proven track record in youth activism, project management, or community building. * Must demonstrate strong integrity, creativity, and a passion for social change. * Must provide a valid ID (such as NIN) and two referees. **Organization-level applicants:** * Must be formally registered (with CAC or equivalent). * Must be a youth-driven civic/transformation organization. * Must provide a SCUML certificate, official office address, corporate account details, and financial records. * Must provide two referees. * Unregistered organizations have the option to form a cluster and apply through a formally registered body. * Applicants who have accessed NYFF funding more than twice will not be prioritized. ## Required documents **For Individual Applicants:** * Valid identification (e.g., NIN). * Details of two referees (name, organization, portfolio, phone, email). * Concept note/proposal (maximum 3,000 words) using the official template, covering: Background, challenges, initiatives, scope; Monitoring & Evaluation framework; Work plan, timeline, budget. **For Organizational Applicants:** * Formal registration documents (CAC or equivalent). * SCUML certificate. * Proof of office address. * Corporate account details. * Financial records. * Details of two referees (name, organization, portfolio, phone, email). * Concept note/proposal (maximum 3,000 words) using the official template, covering: Background, challenges, initiatives, scope; Monitoring & Evaluation framework; Work plan, timeline, budget. ## Application steps 1. Sign up or log in via the official NYFF online portal. 2. Complete the pre-application questions. 3. Submit a comprehensive concept note/proposal (maximum 3,000 words) utilizing the provided official template. This document should detail the background, challenges, proposed initiatives, scope, monitoring and evaluation framework, work plan, timeline, and budget. 4. Upload all necessary identification documents (NIN for individuals; CAC, SCUML, and relevant organizational documents for organizations). 5. Provide complete details for two referees, including their name, organization, portfolio, phone number, and email address. ## Key dates * **Application Deadline:** April 30, 2026 * **Grant Cycle:** May 2026 – December 2026 * **Results Announcement:** End of July 2026 ## Selection criteria The selection process involves three rigorous rounds: 1. **First Stage:** Assessment of compliance with all application procedures. 2. **Second Stage:** Evaluation of the application's suitability using a structured assessment rubric. 3. **Third Stage (Due Diligence):** Verification of all details provided in the application by the NYFF team. Proposals focusing on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) are strongly encouraged and will receive special consideration. ## Tips * Ensure your application aligns with one or more of the specified thematic areas: Policy & Advocacy, Electoral Engagement & Democratic Participation, Accountability & Transparency, Social Inclusion, National Cohesion, Peace & Security, or the Cross-Cutting Priority (innovation, technology, media, arts). * Adhere strictly to the concept note/proposal guidelines and word limits. * Provide accurate and verifiable information for all required documents and referees. * Highlight your proven track record and passion for social change in your application. * For organizations, ensure all registration and financial documents are up-to-date and complete. * Consider forming a cluster with a registered body if your organization is not formally registered. * Craft a compelling and well-structured concept note that clearly outlines your project's objectives, methodology, and expected impact. ## Official source For more information and to apply, please visit the official NYFF Fellowship & Grants Portal: [https://leapafrica.smapply.io/prog/nyff_development_and_individual_grant_application-_2026/](https://leapafrica.smapply.io/prog/nyff_development_and_individual_grant_application-_2026/) For enquiries, you can contact: [nyff@leapafrica.org](mailto:nyff@leapafrica.org)

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