Advocating for Change Scholarship 2026 in Multiple Countries

Apply on the official site

Closes Aug 21, 2026 · 8 days left

Application opens on the official site (pmnch.who.int). Scholarship Union does not collect applications.

August 13, 2026 4 min read 28 views

Don't miss this deadline

Get a reminder email 7, 3, and 1 days before this scholarship closes. We'll save it to your bookmarks too. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

All set Check your inbox

Changed your mind later? Every email has a one-click unsubscribe in the footer. See our Privacy Policy.

The Advocating for Change Scholarship 2026 is a catalytic grant opportunity from PMNCH inviting national youth-led organizations, coalitions and networks to submit an Expression of Interest. It supports youth-led advocacy on adolescent health and well-being (AHWB) and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in multiple countries.

PMNCH has run the Advocating for Change for Adolescents programme since 2017, building a cadre of empowered young advocates and strengthening national accountability for government commitments. This next phase supports country-level implementation of PMNCH adolescent health and well-being activities in line with the PMNCH Strategy 2026–2030 and prior AY Grants phases (2017–2025).

Advocating for Change Benefits

Up to US $15,000 per organization in catalytic grant funding.
12-month grant period from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027.
Disbursement in instalments tied to agreed deliverables.
Capacity building for youth-led and youth-serving organizations to advocate for AHWB and SRHR.
Support for coordination and collaboration between country partners on AHWB priorities.
Opportunities to enhance accountability for national government commitments on AHWB.
Raised visibility of AHWB issues among key national stakeholders including government, civil society, UN agencies and philanthropies.

Advocating for Change Eligibility Criteria

Open to national youth-led organizations, coalitions and networks in CAAP-focused countries: Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and non-CAAP countries India and Colombia.
Applicant organizations should be youth-led, with young people aged approximately 15–29 holding meaningful leadership or governance roles, or be a youth-serving organization with a strong track record of youth engagement.
Applicants must be legally registered or otherwise formally recognized to operate in the country of application.
Applicants should have demonstrated experience in, or a credible plan for, advocacy, coalition-building or community engagement on AHWB and/or SRHR.
Applicants must be willing to work jointly with, and avoid duplicating, existing national CAAP coalitions and Coordinating Partners where these exist in-country.

How to Apply for Advocating for Change?

Submit all Expressions of Interest by email to Bhavya Nandini at [email protected] no later than 12:00 CEST on 21 August 2026.
Use the subject line: “EOI – Advocating for Change for Adolescents – [Organization Name] – [Country]”.
Include a proposal using the provided template describing key activities under the sub-deliverables outlined in the Terms of Reference.
Include a budget breakdown using the provided template, within the indicative grant ceiling.
Include proof of legal registration or formal recognition of the applicant organization.
Include a brief organisational profile.
Submit applications in English.

Apply on the official website

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Advocating for Change Scholarship 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply for this youth-led grant initiative.

What is the Advocating for Change Scholarship 2026?

It is a PMNCH catalytic grant initiative inviting national youth-led organizations, coalitions and networks to submit an Expression of Interest for funding. Since 2017 the programme has supported youth-led advocacy on adolescent health and well-being and sexual and reproductive health and rights, building empowered young advocates and strengthening national accountability. This phase supports country-level implementation of PMNCH adolescent health and well-being activities.

Which countries are eligible for this initiative?

The call is open to organizations based in CAAP-focused countries: Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. It also includes non-CAAP-focused countries India and Colombia. Applicants must be legally registered or formally recognized in the country of application to be eligible.

Who can apply?

National youth-led organizations, coalitions and networks can apply. Organizations should be youth-led with young people aged approximately 15–29 holding leadership or governance roles, or be youth-serving with a strong track record of youth engagement. They should have demonstrated experience or a credible plan in advocacy, coalition-building or community engagement on AHWB and/or SRHR.

How much funding is available?

Each selected organization can receive up to US $15,000 for the 12-month grant period. Disbursement is made in instalments tied to agreed deliverables and based on required reports. The grant period runs from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027.

What is the deadline for submission?

Expressions of Interest must be submitted by email no later than 12:00 CEST on 21 August 2026. EOIs will be reviewed by the PMNCH Secretariat, and shortlisted organizations may be contacted for a follow-up conversation or request for clarification. The grant period begins on 1 September 2026.

How do I submit an Expression of Interest?

Send your EOI by email to Bhavya Nandini at [email protected]. Use the subject line “EOI – Advocating for Change for Adolescents – [Organization Name] – [Country]”. Submit no later than 12:00 CEST on 21 August 2026. All applications should be submitted in English.

What documents are required?

Applications must include a proposal using the template provided, describing key activities under the sub-deliverables outlined in the Terms of Reference, a budget breakdown using the template provided, proof of legal registration or formal recognition, and a brief organisational profile. Applications should be submitted in English.

Is there a template for the proposal and budget?

Yes, applicants must use the provided templates. The proposal template is available for download or copying and should describe key activities under the sub-deliverables outlined in the Terms of Reference. A budget template is also provided for the budget breakdown within the indicative grant ceiling.

How are applications selected?

EOIs will be reviewed by the PMNCH Secretariat. Shortlisted organizations may be contacted for a follow-up conversation or request for clarification ahead of final selection. Submission of an Expression of Interest does not guarantee funding. PMNCH reserves the right to request additional information or amend the terms of the call.

What language should applications be in?

Applications should be submitted in English. The proposal, budget breakdown, proof of legal registration, and organisational profile should all be in English. This is stated in the official call for Expressions of Interest.