Applications are now open for the NYFF Youth Leadership Development Fund (YLDF) 2026. The Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) is calling on young changemakers, youth-led organisations, and civic innovation hubs to apply for this exciting funding opportunity.
The 2026 grant cycle supports bold, youth-driven ideas that strengthen Nigeria’s youth ecosystem and promote good governance, inclusion, and democratic participation.
The NYFF is a collaborative initiative implemented by LEAP Africa and funded by the MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Luminate. The fund advances youth leadership through inclusive funding, capacity strengthening, and policy engagement.
Thematic Areas
Applicants can apply under one or more of the following focus areas:
- Policy & Advocacy – Youth engagement in public policy, OGP, and youth policy implementation
- Electoral Engagement & Democratic Participation – Electoral reforms, voter education, and accountability
- Accountability & Transparency – Budget tracking, public service delivery, and local governance
- Social Inclusion – Gender equality, disability inclusion, and support for marginalised groups
- National Cohesion, Peace & Security – Peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and civic-security trust
Cross-Cutting Priority: Innovation, Technology, Media, and Creative Expression.
Grant Categories
- Small Grants – $1,000: For individuals and young advocates
- Development Grants – $10,000: For youth-led, community-based organisations
- Catalyst Grants – $50,000: For civic and innovation hubs serving as regional youth ecosystem anchors
Eligibility Criteria
Individuals:
- Aged 18–35
- Proven track record in youth or civic engagement
Organisations:
- Registered, youth-led and youth-focused
- Work aligned with the thematic areas listed above
Application Deadline: 31 March 2026