About

Overview

ChangemakerXchange, with support from the Drosos Foundation, has opened applications for the second cohort of Changemakers for Youth 2027, a programme supporting young social entrepreneurs and changemakers working to address social, economic and environmental challenges.

The programme targets changemakers based in Egypt, Germany, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Switzerland and Tunisia who are already leading initiatives that create positive community impact while empowering young people.

Through tailored capacity building, peer learning, international networking and opportunities for collaborative funding, the programme aims to strengthen existing social ventures and encourage cross-border cooperation between changemakers in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.

Over three years, Changemakers for Youth aims to support 80 young changemakers and social entrepreneurs across multiple cohorts.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is designed for young social entrepreneurs and changemakers who are already implementing initiatives that address pressing challenges in their communities and actively involve or empower other young people.

Applicants must be based in one of the eight eligible countries: Egypt, Germany, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Switzerland or Tunisia.

For applicants based in Germany, their organisations may operate anywhere in the country, but their projects must demonstrate tangible impact in Eastern Germany.

The programme is particularly relevant for individuals leading established social ventures, community-based initiatives or organisations that seek to strengthen youth participation, expand their impact and collaborate with changemakers across borders.

Applicants should be available to participate in the programme’s online activities and in-person summit.

Programme Focus

Changemakers for Youth focuses on strengthening the capacity, resilience and connections of social entrepreneurs working with young people.

Participants will receive customised support based on their organisational and personal development needs, alongside opportunities to exchange knowledge and experiences with peers facing similar challenges.

The programme places particular emphasis on cross-border collaboration, encouraging participants to develop joint initiatives that address shared social, economic and environmental challenges.

Programme Benefits

Selected participants will benefit from tailored capacity-building activities, mentorship, peer learning and access to an international network of changemakers, experts and potential supporters.

A central component is a five-day in-person summit, bringing together cohort members for collaborative learning, networking, discussions on changemaker wellbeing and resilience, and the development of potential joint initiatives.

Participants will also have access to optional seed funding for collaborative projects, supporting cross-border partnerships and initiatives developed through the programme. The available funding amount is not specified in the announcement.

Following the programme, participants will become lifelong members of the ChangemakerXchange global community, which connects more than 1,500 changemakers across over 130 countries.

Expected Outcomes

The programme aims to strengthen participants’ leadership, organisational capabilities and resilience, enabling them to expand the impact of their existing social ventures and youth-focused initiatives.

Through peer learning and international exchange, participants are expected to develop stronger professional networks, identify opportunities for cross-border cooperation and explore collaborative solutions to challenges affecting their communities.

The programme also seeks to support lasting partnerships between changemakers in Europe and the MENA region, while increasing young people’s participation in community development and social innovation.

Key Dates

Applications open: 13 October 2026
Application deadline: 9 November 2026
Online interviews: 20 November – 19 December 2026
Final selection results: 13 January 2027
Programme kick-off: First week of February 2027 (online)
Needs assessment and tailored support: Late February 2027
In-person summit: Mid-March 2027 (exact dates and location to be confirmed)
Public announcement of participants: Late March 2027
Collaborative projects and optional funding: From late March 2027

The programme will also include three online check-in sessions and continued access to the ChangemakerXchange community after the formal programme activities.

How to Apply

Interested changemakers must submit their applications for the Changemakers for Youth 2027 – Second Cohort by 9 November 2026.

Applicants should review the programme’s eligibility requirements, selection process and participation commitments before applying.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to online interviews between 20 November and 19 December 2026, with final selection decisions expected on 13 January 2027.

Programme organiser: ChangemakerXchange
Funding partner: Drosos Foundation
Eligible countries: Egypt, Germany, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Switzerland and Tunisia
Application deadline: 9 November 2026