Changemaker Youth Grants 2026 offer young people the opportunity to turn creative ideas into real-world action by funding youth-led projects that address violence and injustice in communities around the world. In this article, we explore everything you need to know about the Changemaker Youth Grants 2026, including eligibility, funding details, application process, deadlines, and how young changemakers can apply for up to $1,000 in grant support.
Introduction to the Changemaker Youth Grants 2026
The Changemaker Youth Grants 2026 are a youth funding initiative designed to empower young people to create nonviolent, creative, and community-based solutions to violence in all its forms. The grants are administered by Pace e Bene, an organization with more than 30 years of experience organizing people worldwide to build a culture of peace and active nonviolence.
Inspired by the words of M. K. Gandhi — “Be the change you wish to see in the world” — the Changemaker Youth Grants support youth-led projects that use creativity, art, dialogue, and action to confront violence, discrimination, hate, and injustice. The program is specifically designed to uplift young changemakers by trusting their ideas, valuing innovation over formal writing skills, and removing unnecessary barriers to access.
Since its inception, the Changemaker Youth Grants program has supported youth from countries including Malawi, Pakistan, Uganda, Nigeria, and the United States, impacting thousands of people through innovative and courageous projects.
About Pace e Bene and the Changemaker Youth Grants
Pace e Bene is an international organization dedicated to promoting peace, justice, and active nonviolence. For over three decades, Pace e Bene has mobilized tens of thousands of individuals to engage in nonviolent action and social change.
The Changemaker Youth Grants were initiated through the generosity of lifelong activist David Hartsough, who organized his first nonviolent action while still in high school. In 2021, David donated the funds from his Clarence B. Jones Award to Pace e Bene. These funds were matched by Pace e Bene and dedicated to supporting youth-led changemaking initiatives.
The program is also inspired by the M. K. Gandhi Institute’s Youth Healing Hate Grants, which began in 2017 and continue to support creative youth projects in Rochester, New York.
Over the past 4 years, the Changemaker Youth Grants have:
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Funded 34 youth-led projects
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Supported 117 youth participants
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Reached and impacted thousands of people globally
What Are the Changemaker Youth Grants 2026?
The Changemaker Youth Grants 2026 provide financial support of up to $1,000 to youth ages 12–23 who design and lead creative projects that address violence in their communities.
These projects are encouraged to:
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Be nonviolent
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Be creative and artistic
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Offer out-of-the-box solutions
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Be youth-designed and youth-led
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Be feasible and impactful
The program values ideas and vision over perfect grammar or polished proposals, making it highly accessible to young people from diverse backgrounds.
Types of Projects Supported
The Changemaker Youth Grants support a wide range of creative approaches to addressing violence. Projects may include, but are not limited to:
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Murals and public art
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Posters and visual campaigns
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Training and educational workshops
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Protests and marches
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Music and dance performances
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Peace circles and dialogue spaces
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Poetry slams and spoken word events
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Community conversations
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Garden and environmental projects
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Videos and digital storytelling initiatives
Forms of Violence That Can Be Addressed
Projects may address any form of violence, including:
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Bullying
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Discrimination
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Hate and racism
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Injustice
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Gun violence
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Militarism
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Ecological destruction
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Gender-based violence
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Domestic violence
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Social exclusion
Funding Details and Grant Benefits
Successful applicants to the Changemaker Youth Grants 2026 may receive:
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Up to $1,000 in grant funding
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Recognition as a Changemaker Grant Awardee
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The opportunity to tell their story to local and national audiences
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Participation in a public virtual celebration hosted by Pace e Bene in Summer 2026
Grant recipients are expected to complete their projects and share their experiences as part of the broader changemaker community.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Changemaker Youth Grants 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Age Requirement
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Applicants must be between 12 and 23 years old
2. Youth-Led Projects
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The project must be designed and led by youth
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Adults cannot apply on behalf of youth
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Applications submitted by adults for youth programs will not be considered
3. Individual or Team Applications
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Individual youth may apply
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Teams of youth are strongly encouraged to apply
4. Application Ownership
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Youth applicants must complete the application themselves
There are no restrictions stated regarding nationality, country of residence, or educational background.
What the Selection Committee Looks For
Applications are reviewed based on ideas, creativity, and feasibility, not writing style or length.
Judging Criteria Include:
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Creativity
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Original ideas
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Bold, artistic, or innovative approaches
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Use of art, music, storytelling, or community engagement
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Feasibility
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The project must be realistic
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The project must be completed by July 30, 2026
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What Is NOT Considered
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Grammar
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Spelling
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Writing length
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Formal academic language
What the Changemaker Youth Grants Do NOT Fund
The program does not fund:
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Adult-led programs for youth
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Fundraising activities
Program Timeline and Important Dates
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Application Deadline: February 13, 2026
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Project Completion Deadline: July 30, 2026
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Public Virtual Celebration: Summer 2026
Applications may be submitted anytime before February 13, 2026.
How to Apply for the Changemaker Youth Grants 2026
The application process is simple and youth-friendly.
Application Steps
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Youth applicants design their project idea
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Applicants complete the simple online application
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Applications must be submitted before February 13, 2026
Only one application per project is required. Teams of youth may apply together.
Global Impact of the Changemaker Youth Grants
Past funded projects have included:
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Nigerian theatre performances against gender-based violence
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Ugandan projects preventing domestic violence through coffee tree planting
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Racial justice podcasts
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Inclusive art apps
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Peace rallies and unity bike rides
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School-wide multicultural weeks
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Autistic sensory rooms
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Nonviolence-themed YouTube series
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Concerts and summits promoting inclusion
These projects demonstrate the power of youth creativity to drive peace, healing, and social change.
Why the Changemaker Youth Grants 2026 Matter
The Changemaker Youth Grants 2026 represent a powerful opportunity for young people to transform creative ideas into meaningful action. By providing funding, visibility, and trust, Pace e Bene empowers youth to lead nonviolent solutions to the challenges facing their communities.
If you are a young person aged 12–23 with a bold idea to address violence through creativity, the Changemaker Youth Grants 2026 offer the support you need to make a real impact.
APPLY HERE: Changemaker Youth Grants 2026
For more opportunities visit Opportunities for youth
