Cultural Survival, a US-based Indigenous rights nonprofit, funds youth-led projects that strengthen Indigenous communities, with mentoring and leadership training alongside.
Fellows, alone or as a youth group, run a 3–6 month project in their own community on climate change solutions, culture and languages, or lands and livelihoods. The 2027 call names 21 eligible countries across the Americas, Asia and Africa.
Benefits & funding
- US$2,500–5,000, set by project size.
- Guidance from Cultural Survival staff and a volunteer local mentor.
- Online leadership and project-management spaces, publishing and networking; possibly in-person gatherings, internships or event support (2026 FAQ).
- Duty: monthly mentor contact and five online gatherings of at least two hours each (2026 FAQ).
Eligibility
- Self-identify as Indigenous and be 18–28 when applying; individuals or youth groups may apply (one designated coordinator submits).
- Applicants from the 2027 “Eligible Regions”: United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Belize, Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Brazil; Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines; Mali, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, DR Congo, Republic of the Congo. The page says it “specifically welcomes” these and, unlike 2026, mentions no global open call.
- Former Cultural Survival Youth Fellows cannot apply.
- Must commit to working with Cultural Survival and meeting deadlines.
- Speaking or wanting to learn an Indigenous language is preferred, not required; women and 2SLGBTIQ+ youth are encouraged.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Residence required
USA · Mexico · Guatemala · Costa Rica · Belize · Argentina · Ecuador · Bolivia · Peru · Chile · Colombia · Brazil
+ 9 more
Indonesia · Nepal · Philippines · Mali · Namibia · Botswana · South Africa · DR Congo · Republic of the Congo
Age requirement
18–28 yrs
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Submit a proposal concept on Cultural Survival’s Good Grants platform by October 25, 2026, 11:59 PM ET, in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.
- 2Fellows are announced December 4, 2026; funds are disbursed from January 2027.
Program timeline
Regional online info sessions
October 13 and 15, 2026
Concept deadline
October 25, 2026
Fellows announced
December 4, 2026
Funds disbursed
January 2027
From March 1, 2027
Projects may start (period given as April–October and March–September 2027)