Apply to Grassroots Voices 2026 by December 5, 2025. A 7-week Vital Voices program for U.S.-based young women (18–25) leading community projects. Includes mentorship, leadership training, DC convening, and project grant opportunity.

Overview

Grassroots Voices is a 7-week leadership program designed for young women ages 18–25, based in the United States who are already driving community-focused change. In partnership with Sarah Johnson and Sarva Rajendra, the program equips participants with training, resources, and mentorship to strengthen impact and scale their work.

Applications are now open. Deadline: December 5, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET).

Why Grassroots Voices

The strongest solutions come from within communities. Grassroots Voices nurtures leaders who are addressing issues such as mass incarceration, social inequity and pay gaps, reproductive justice, and more—providing practical tools and a powerful network to accelerate their work.

Program Highlights

• Leadership training & development tailored to grassroots change-making

• One-to-one mentorship with an individually matched mentor

• In-person convening in Washington, D.C. to meet women leaders and attend the Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards

• Opportunity to apply for a project grant to advance a home-community initiative

• Tight-knit cohort experience with peers equally committed to local impact

Key Dates & Schedule (Cohort 2026)

• Application deadline: December 5, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET)

• Onboarding session: January 22, 2026

• Weekly virtual meetings: Thursdays, January 29 – March 12, 2026

• In-person DC gathering: Spring 2026 (2 days; travel hosted by the program)

Participants also engage in regular mentoring activities throughout the 7 weeks.

Who Should Apply (Eligibility)

• Age: 18–25

• Location: U.S.-based (citizen, resident, or otherwise currently living in the U.S.)

• Focus: Already engaged in grassroots justice or community-centered work

• Commitment: Availability for the full program (virtual sessions + DC convening)

What You’ll Gain

• Practical leadership tools to plan, fund, and scale community projects

• Tailored mentorship and problem-solving support

• Exposure to national leaders and the Vital Voices Global Network

• A platform to amplify your work and forge partnerships

• Eligibility to apply for a project subaward (grant)

How to Apply

1. Start your application in the online portal (use “Save & Continue” to return anytime).

2. Complete all required fields on each page to advance.

3. Submit by December 5, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET).

Questions or technical issues? Contact Bijan Moore at BijanM@vitalvoices.org.

Selection Criteria

• Clear community need and measurable impact

• Demonstrated leadership and commitment to justice-focused work

• Feasibility of plans during and after the program

• Alignment with Grassroots Voices’ mission and values

Applications are live. Submit your application by December 5, 2025 to join Grassroots Voices 2026 and accelerate your impact.

Apply Now → Program applications are live! Apply Now.

FAQs

Is the program only for U.S.-based applicants?
Yes, Grassroots Voices Cohort 2026 is for young women ages 18–25 based in the U.S.

Do I need an existing project?
Yes, applicants should already be implementing or leading a community-focused initiative.

Are travel costs to Washington, D.C. covered?
The program includes travel to D.C. with the cohort for the in-person gathering.

Can I apply if I am a student or working?
Yes, provided you can fully commit to the schedule (virtual Thursdays + DC convening + mentoring).

Program Backing

This program is made possible by Sarah Johnson and Sarva Rajendra and delivered by Vital Voices Global Partnership, home to the Vital Voices Global Headquarters for Women’s Leadership in Washington, D.C.

Source: https://www.vitalvoices.org/program/grassroots-voices-program/