Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Deadline: October 8, 2025
The Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust’s (QCT) 100 Young Leaders Awards 2026 celebrates and supports inspirational young leaders across the Commonwealth who are driving positive social impact in their communities. This prestigious award recognizes the innovation, resilience, and leadership of young changemakers aged 18–35 who are tackling pressing challenges such as climate change, education, healthcare, gender equality, and sustainable development.
Through the awards, QCT continues its mission of empowering youth-led initiatives and amplifying the voices of young leaders shaping a brighter future for the Commonwealth and beyond.
Benefits
- Award Recognition: Winners will receive their award at the official awards ceremony.
- Microgrant: A chance to apply for a microgrant to scale their high-impact projects or organisations.
- Capacity Building: Tailored capacity-building and mentorship to strengthen leadership and organisational growth.
- Global Platform: Global recognition for awardees through widespread media coverage, marking an important milestone in QECT’s history.
- Networking: Opportunities to connect with funders, partners, and field experts through virtual and/or in-person events.
SEE ALSO: Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) 2026/2027 at Columbia University (Scholarships Available)
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for The Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust’s 100 Young Leaders Awards, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Age: 18 to 35 years old at the time of application (born between April 1990 and April 2008).
- Leadership Role: Must be the founder, co-founder, or in a key leadership position of a social impact initiative.
- Citizenship/Residency: Must be a citizen or permanent resident of at-least one of the 56 Commonwealth countries.
- Track Record: Demonstrate measurable community or global impact for a minimum of 12 months.
- Ethical Standing: The initiative must operate legally, transparently, and in accordance with the values of QECT.
- Language: Applications must be submitted in English.
Application Process and Documents Required
To apply for the QCT 100 Young Leaders Awards 2026:
- Complete the online application form on the QCT official portal.
- Submit a detailed CV/resume.
- Provide a personal statement describing leadership journey and impact.
- Share a project summary highlighting achievements, reach, and future goals.
- Upload at least one recommendation letter from a mentor, supervisor, or community leader.
- Provide links or evidence of the project’s work (e.g., website, social media, reports).
