The Global Citizen Prize Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 provides a $250,000 grant to an organization led by an individual aged 18 to 30 who uses technology and innovation to combat extreme poverty and advance the UN Global Goals. The grant is paid directly to the winner’s legally registered organization (non-profit, for-profit, or social enterprise). Applicants must demonstrate measurable impact over the past 3-5 years. The application deadline is December 17, 2025.
Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organizations | Global Citizen & Cisco |
| Program Focus | Youth-Led, Tech-Driven Solutions for UN Global Goals & Poverty |
| Category | Leadership Award & Scaling Grant |
| Eligible Applicants | Leaders (Ages 18-30) of Established, Legally Registered Organizations |
| Max Financial Award | USD $250,000 Grant (Paid to Organization) |
| Recognition Event | Global Citizen NOW in New York City (May 2026) |
| Application Status | Open |
| Application Deadline | December 17, 2025 (5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET) |
Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 Details
The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award is a critical opportunity dedicated to identifying and funding the next generation of global leaders who are successfully employing technology and innovation to accelerate progress against the United Nations Global Goals and eradicate extreme poverty.
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This award is not merely for recognition; it represents a major, practical investment. The USD $250,000 grant is paid directly to the winner’s legally registered organization—be it a non-profit, for-profit, B-corp, or social enterprise—providing substantial, immediate capital to scale proven impact across Africa and other continents. The award seeks organizations that have moved beyond the pilot phase and need resources to dramatically expand their operations.
Benefits and Specific Awards of the Cisco Youth Leadership Award
The winner receives a highly substantial financial grant and unparalleled access to global networking and recognition platforms.
Tier 1: Core Financial Award (USD $250,000 Grant)
- Financial Grant: A direct, non-dilutive grant of USD $250,000 is paid to the winner’s legally registered organization. This capital is intended to provide immediate and substantial resources for scaling proven social impact initiatives.
- Scaling Investment: The funds are specifically designed to support the scaling of operations and the implementation of a practical, long-term plan detailing how the money will directly contribute to achieving the UN Global Goals.
Tier 2: Global Recognition and Visibility
- Global Recognition: The winner will be honored and officially announced at the prestigious Global Citizen NOW event in New York City in May 2026, providing a massive platform for visibility.
- Media Exposure: Alignment with the Global Citizen and Cisco brands offers significant media exposure, enhancing the organization’s credibility and reach to attract future funding and partnerships.
Tier 3: Networking and Community Access
- Influential Network: The winner gains access to a global community of influential leaders, innovators, philanthropists, and corporate executives.
- Thought Leadership: Opportunity to engage with and contribute to thought leadership around the intersection of technology, innovation, and global social development.
Eligibility Requirements for the Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026
Applicants must meet strict criteria related to their age, organizational affiliation, demonstrated technology integration, and proven impact history.
- Age: The applicant must be an individual between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of application.
- Organizational Affiliation: The applicant must operate or work for an existing, legally registered organization (non-profit, for-profit, B-corp, or social enterprise).
- Geographic Scope: The award is open to individuals from all countries, with the exception of those under U.S. government sanctions that restrict financial transfers.
- Stage of Development: The organization must have moved beyond the pilot phase and be actively demonstrating measurable impact over the last three to five years.
- Technology Integration: The project must clearly articulate and demonstrate how technology is integral to improving the efficiency, accessibility, or reach of the social solution.
How to Apply for the Cisco Youth Leadership Award (Step by Step)
The application process is highly competitive and requires applicants to provide tangible evidence of impact, a clear technological strategy, and a concrete plan for the grant money.
- Review Criteria and Plan: Thoroughly review the official application criteria on the Global Citizen website and begin collecting necessary data on measurable impact over the last 3-5 years.
- Prepare Video Pitch: Create a compelling 1 to 2-minute video pitch explaining your organization’s impact and your specific vision for how the $250,000 prize money will be utilized. Applications without a video will not be accepted.
- Draft 3-5 Year Plan: Develop a practical, concrete, and detailed 3 to 5-year plan outlining budget allocation and expected measurable outcomes directly linked to the UN Global Goals.
- Secure Endorsements (Pre-Application): Identify and notify three specific contacts for required letters of recommendation: a colleague, a funder/operational partner, and a person directly impacted by your work. Note: These are required quickly upon finalist notification.
- Submit Application: Complete and submit the full application package online before the deadline of December 17, 2025.
Application Deadline: December 17, 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the total monetary value of the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award?
The total monetary value is a USD $250,000 grant, which is paid directly to the winner’s legally registered organization.
2. What is the required age range for the individual applicant?
The individual applicant must be between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of application.
3. Does the recipient organization need to be a non-profit?
No, the grant is open to any legally registered organization, including non-profit, for-profit, B-corp, or social enterprises.
4. What is the critical application component that, if missing, will disqualify the submission?
Applicants must submit a compelling 1 to 2-minute video pitch explaining their impact and vision for the prize money; applications without a video will not be accepted.
5. When is the final winner of the award announced?
The winner is announced in May 2026 at the prestigious Global Citizen NOW event in New York City.
6. What is the application deadline for the 2026 award cycle?
The application deadline is December 17, 2025, closing at 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET.
7. What specific historical period of impact must applicants demonstrate?
Judges require proof of significant, measurable impact over the last three to five years, not just future promises.
8. What is the geographical scope of the award?
The award is open to individuals from all countries, with the exception of those under U.S. government sanctions that restrict financial transfers.
9. Who are the three types of contacts required for the letters of recommendation (endorsement)?
Finalists must submit letters from a colleague, a funder/operational partner, and a person directly impacted by the organization’s work.
10. What is the main focus area of the organization’s work, tied to the UN?
The organization must be accelerating progress against the UN Global Goals and working to end extreme poverty.
