Cultural Survival runs this fellowship for Indigenous youth who want to strengthen their communities through youth-led projects. Fellows carry out multidisciplinary, creative, community-driven work in their own contexts while building leadership and project-management skills.
The 2026 themes were climate change solutions, culture and languages, and lands and livelihoods. The call was global, with additional geographic priorities that did not restrict eligibility to the named countries.
Benefits & funding
- A project grant of USD 2,500–5,000, based on project scope, needs, and duration.
- Guidance and feedback from Cultural Survival staff and a local mentor.
- Online spaces for leadership and project-management dialogue, plus networking and publishing opportunities.
- Additional opportunities may include in-person gatherings, internships, or support to attend special events.
Eligibility
- Applicants must self-identify as Indigenous and be 18–28 years old when applying.
- Individuals and youth groups may apply; a group designates one project coordinator to submit the application.
- The proposed 3–6 month project must benefit the applicant’s community, culture, or ancestral heritage and fit the announced execution period.
- Applicants must commit to working with Cultural Survival and meeting deadlines, and former Cultural Survival Youth Fellows are not eligible.
- Interest in an Indigenous language is preferred, not required. Women and 2SLGBTQ+ youth were encouraged to apply, and geographic diversity was considered without creating a nationality restriction.
- No degree or formal work-experience requirement was stated.
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Age requirement
18–28 yrs
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Application process
- 1Submit a project concept through the designated online form during the annual call. For 2026, applications were accepted in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Nepali, Sunuwar, Hindi, Afrikaans, and French; a five-minute video or audio response was optional.
- 2Shortlisted applicants receive instructions to submit a full proposal and detailed budget.
- 3The review committee assesses cultural relevance, feasibility, community impact, and youth leadership before final selections are announced.
Program timeline
September 1, 2025
2026 call opened.
Proposal concepts due.
September 30, 2025, 11:59 PM ET
Selected applicants notified for the second round.
By October 30, 2025
Final fellowship selections announced.
December 2025
Award disbursement process began.
January 2026
Projects could begin.
After March 1, 2026
September 2026
2026 project execution period ended.