Are you a young leader with an idea that could make your community fairer, safer, and more inclusive? The Girl Up Project Awards 2026 offer an opportunity for eligible young activists and youth-led groups to turn ideas for gender justice into practical community projects.

The initiative supports young people who want to address gender inequality, strengthen youth leadership, and make a positive difference in their communities. Selected applicants can receive project funding, mentoring, and opportunities to connect with other young changemakers.

Whether you are preparing your first community initiative or looking to expand an activity your group has already undertaken, one of the available award categories may suit your experience.

What Are the Girl Up Project Awards?

The Girl Up Project Awards are designed to help young people develop their leadership abilities and implement projects that advance gender justice. The programme follows a youth-led, feminist, trust-based, and movement-building approach.

Rather than limiting support to established nonprofit organisations, the programme includes individual youth activists, emerging youth groups, and eligible Girl Up Clubs+. Applicants should select the funding category that matches their current experience and project circumstances.

Available Funding Categories

What Can the Funding Support?

The awards provide flexible project funding that can be used for eligible activities and expenses needed to carry out a project.

• Educational and community awareness materials
• Venue hire and project activities
• Transport for project implementation
• Food and printing expenses related to the project
• Digital tools and communication resources
• Accessibility costs, including interpretation or childcare
• Other appropriate project-related expenses

Applicants should explain their proposed budget clearly and ensure that their requested amount matches the actual needs of their project.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is intended for youth leaders aged 13 to 25 who have an idea for advancing gender justice in their communities.

Potential applicants include:

• Individual young activists
• New youth groups and clubs
• Eligible Girl Up Clubs+ with previous local action
• Young people seeking to address gender inequality through community initiatives

Applicants do not necessarily need to belong to an existing Girl Up Club+ to be considered for the Leader of Self category, and formal nonprofit registration is not generally required for these award tiers.

Applicants under 18 must have the required authorisation and a parent or guardian to co-sign for receipt of the funds. Funding transfers are also subject to programme rules and country-specific restrictions.

Geographic restrictions: The official programme identifies certain locations where funding transfers cannot currently be made, including Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and occupied parts of Ukraine. Additional screening may apply to some other countries. Consult the official guidance before applying.

Additional Benefits for Selected Applicants

Beyond financial assistance, selected participants can benefit from opportunities to strengthen their project planning and leadership skills.

• Participation in Innovation Lab onboarding
• A mentoring conversation with a programme alumnus
• Connection with a global community of young changemakers
• Participation in at least one regional cohort meeting
• Practical experience designing and implementing a community project

Important Application Dates

How to Prepare Your Application

1. Review the official information: Read the programme FAQs and application package carefully.
2. Choose the right category: Determine whether Leader of Self or Leader of Peers fits your current situation.
3. Define your project idea: Explain the gender justice issue you want to address and why it matters to your community.
4. Describe your planned activities: Outline what you intend to do, who you hope to reach, and the change you want to achieve.
5. Prepare your budget: Identify the expenses needed to implement your idea and request an appropriate amount.
6. Complete the application: Follow the official instructions and submit before 31 October 2026.

Applicants can prepare their responses in their preferred language according to the programme’s published guidance. Focus on explaining your idea clearly and authentically.

Where to Find Official Information

For the programme’s full eligibility criteria, FAQs, application package, and application instructions, consult the official Girl Up Project Awards page.

View Official Girl Up Details

Final Thoughts

The Girl Up Project Awards 2026 offer eligible young activists an opportunity to turn their ideas for gender justice into meaningful community action. With funding of up to US$500 under Leader of Self and up to US$1,000 under Leader of Peers, the initiative can help participants develop projects, strengthen their leadership, and connect with other changemakers.

If you are between 13 and 25 and have an idea that could make a positive difference, review the programme requirements and determine whether your project is eligible. Remember that funding is competitive and submitting an application does not guarantee selection.