The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award offers a $250,000 grant to an organization led by an individual aged 18 to 30 who is successfully employing technology and innovation to accelerate progress against the UN Global Goals and end extreme poverty.
This is a critical opportunity for African Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups that have moved beyond the pilot phase and need capital to scale their proven impact across the continent and beyond.
The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award was established by Cisco and Global Citizen to recognize an individual aged 18-30 who has contributed meaningfully with technology to help end extreme poverty.
Selected via an application process, the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award honors an individual aged 18-30 who has contributed meaningfully toward the goal of ending extreme poverty. The award includes a $250,000 prize paid to the organization to which the individual contributes. The winner will be announced at Global Citizen NOW in May 2026 in New York City.
Applications are open and will close on December 17, 2025 at 8pm ET
This award is not simply a recognition prize; it represents a major investment in established, tech-forward social impact initiatives. The USD $250,000 grant is paid directly to the winner’s legally registered organization (be it a non-profit, for-profit, or social enterprise), providing substantial, immediate resources for scaling operations.
How to Apply
- Review the official application criteria thoroughly on the Global Citizen website.
- Prepare a compelling 1 to 2-minute video pitch explaining your impact and vision for the prize money (applications without a video will not be accepted).
- Submit your application online before the December 17, 2025 deadline.
