About the opportunity
The Cultural Survival Indigenous Youth Fellowship program strengthens cultural identity and enhances leadership skills among Indigenous youth worldwide. Since its launch in 2018, the program has awarded over 157 fellowships. The 2027 cycle provides financial support ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 USD for youth-led projects that benefit Indigenous communities. Fellows work closely with Cultural Survival staff and local mentors to implement multidisciplinary, creative, and community-driven projects over a duration of 3 to 6 months between April and October 2027.
Funding and benefits
- Financial support ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 USD depending on project size.
- Opportunities for leadership growth and global visibility.
- Guidance, encouragement, and feedback from Cultural Survival staff and a local mentor.
Who can apply?
- Must be an Indigenous youth or group of youth between the ages of 18 and 28.
- Must be committed to working with Cultural Survival and meeting deadlines.
- Preferably fluent in or interested in learning an Indigenous language.
- Must not be a former Cultural Survival Youth Fellow.
- Applicants must reside in eligible countries across the Americas, Africa, or Asia.
Required documents
- Project proposal concept submitted via the Good Grants platform.
When to apply
- Open Call for Proposal Concepts: October 4, 2026
- Deadline to Submit Proposal Concepts: October 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET
- Notification of Selected Fellows: December 4, 2026
How to apply
- Create an account on the Good Grants platform.
- Complete and submit your proposal concept through Good Grants by October 25, 2026.
Additional information
- Accepted application languages include English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French.
- Projects must focus on climate change solutions, culture and languages, or lands and livelihoods.
- The program actively encourages applications from women and 2SLGBTIQ+ youth.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- A strong fit for Indigenous youth and youth groups aged 18 to 28 with a concrete project idea benefiting their community.
- Ideal for individuals passionate about climate solutions, traditional knowledge transmission, land defense, or Indigenous arts and culture.
- Well-suited for young leaders looking for mentorship and financial backing to execute a short-term community initiative.
What should you think carefully about?
- Projects must be completed within a strict 3 to 6 month duration between March and October 2027.
- Applicants must not have received this specific fellowship previously.
- Applicants must commit to regular collaboration with Cultural Survival staff and a local mentor.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship provides a valuable stepping stone for emerging Indigenous leaders seeking to build project management experience, amplify local community issues in global dialogues, and establish professional networks in advocacy and conservation.
Our take
Indigenous youth and youth groups meeting the age and regional criteria with a well-defined community project should seriously consider applying before the October 25, 2026 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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