Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026
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Quick Answer
Annual global award recognizing a young leader (aged 18-30) who uses technology to advance the UN Global Goals and end extreme poverty. The winner receives a USD 250,000 grant paid directly to thei…
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Global Citizen
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Eligible stage
- Revenue
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 17 December 2025. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Global Citizen. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award is an annual, global award that recognizes an exceptional young leader, aged 18 to 30, who is using technology, innovation, and social impact solutions to advance the United Nations Global Goals and contribute to ending extreme poverty.
The award provides a USD 250,000 grant which is paid directly to the legally registered organization affiliated with the winning applicant. This funding is intended to support scaling innovative solutions, strengthening operations, and expanding community reach. The winner is announced and celebrated at the Global Citizen NOW event.
Key criteria for judging include:
- Impact: Measurable, proven impact over the last 3-5 years.
- Vision: Concrete plan for the next 3-5 years, detailing how the prize will advance efforts.
- Catalyst: Ability to inspire other young people.
- Global Citizenship: Demonstrates values like integrity, empathy, and collaboration.
- Technology Innovation: Use of technology or digital tools to improve efficiency, reach, and magnify impact.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Global Citizen is an international advocacy organization founded in 2008 as the Global Poverty Project in Melbourne, Australia, and now headquartered in New York City. The organization works to end extreme poverty by mobilizing citizens, governments, businesses, and…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
The USD 250,000 grant is paid directly to the legally registered organization affiliated with the winning applicant. The funds are intended to support scaling innovative solutions, strengthening operations, and expanding community reach.
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award?
The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award is a $250,000 prize granted annually to an individual aged 18-30 who uses technology to make significant, innovative contributions toward ending extreme poverty. The award is presented by Cisco and Global Citizen, with the funds supporting the winner's organization to further their social impact.
How do I apply?
Stay tuned for an announcement on when applications for 2027 will open, later this year (Fall 2026).
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
