ChangemakerXchange Opens Applications for 2027 Changemakers for Equality Programme

Career Desk, Delhi Magazine: Young social entrepreneurs and community leaders in East Africa and the Gulf can apply for a programme offering leadership development, international networking, mentorship and potential funding for collaborative projects.

ChangemakerXchange has opened applications for its 2027 Changemakers for Equality programme, an initiative designed to support young leaders working to reduce inequality and create positive change in their communities.

The programme aims to connect young social entrepreneurs, community leaders, activists and social innovators who are developing practical solutions to challenges such as unequal access to education, employment, healthcare, safety and economic opportunities.

Supported by the Julius Baer Foundation, the initiative will help selected participants strengthen their projects, learn from other changemakers and build partnerships that can create lasting social impact.

According to the organisation’s official website, the programme is designed for young changemakers aged 18 to 35 who are actively working to address inequality through community-based initiatives.

What Is the Changemakers for Equality Programme?

Changemakers for Equality is an international initiative that supports people working to address the underlying causes of inequality.

Rather than focusing only on short-term assistance, the programme encourages participants to develop solutions that improve access to opportunities and create sustainable benefits for underserved communities.

Eligible projects may focus on education, skills development, employment, income generation, healthcare, gender equality, disability inclusion, climate resilience, community safety or civic participation.

The programme particularly values initiatives that are already being tested in communities, demonstrate potential for meaningful impact and can grow through collaboration with other organisations.

Key Benefits for Selected Participants

Participants will receive several forms of support to help them develop their leadership skills and strengthen their initiatives.

Leadership development and training: Participants will receive tailored capacity-building support based on their needs. Training and learning activities will help them improve their ability to manage projects, develop solutions and create community impact.

International networking: Participants will connect with other changemakers, social entrepreneurs, experts, mentors and potential partners. These connections can help them exchange ideas and develop joint initiatives.

Five-day in-person summit: The programme includes an immersive, five-day gathering designed to encourage collaboration, peer learning and the development of new partnerships. The exact location and dates for the 2027 East Africa summit are yet to be confirmed.

Potential collaboration funding: Selected participants may access seed funding for eligible collaborative projects. The funding is intended to support cross-border cooperation and initiatives that address inequality. It should not be treated as an automatic individual grant for every participant.

Mentorship and customised support: Participants will have opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and receive support suited to their projects and development needs.

Access to a global community: Following the programme, participants will be invited to join the wider ChangemakerXchange network, which connects changemakers from different countries and backgrounds.

Who Can Apply?

The 2027 programme is intended for applicants who meet the following main requirements:

• Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Geographical eligibility: Applicants must meet the programme’s country and regional requirements. They must come from, currently live in, or create impact in an eligible country.
• Leadership role: Applicants must hold a leadership or decision-making role in an active social or environmental organisation or initiative addressing inequality.
• Relevant work: Applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of the problem they are addressing and how their initiative can improve people’s lives.
• Project impact: Initiatives should show evidence of impact or a credible potential to achieve meaningful results.
• English language: Applicants need sufficient English to participate in programme activities and the in-person summit.

The programme welcomes social entrepreneurs, activists, civil society leaders, innovators and other people leading initiatives that address inequality. Applicants do not necessarily have to be the original founders of their organisations, but they must have a leadership or decision-making role.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

The official programme lists the following eligible countries:

Bahrain, Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Kuwait, Malawi, Oman, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Applicants should check the official eligibility rules before submitting an application.

Important for Indian applicants: India is not listed among the eligible countries for this particular East Africa and Gulf programme. Applicants living in India should check other ChangemakerXchange opportunities that may accept participants from their country.

Application Deadline and Important Dates

The official programme website provides the following schedule for the East Africa and Gulf cohort.

The organisers will confirm the exact summit dates and location. Applicants should also review the official website for any updates to the schedule.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Changemakers for Equality programme website.
2. Read the eligibility criteria and confirm that their country and initiative qualify.
3. Review the application questions and prepare clear information about their project, the community it serves and the inequality it aims to address.
4. Explain the initiative’s progress, impact, future plans and potential for collaboration.
5. Complete and submit the online application before the deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their answers in advance and allow enough time to complete the form.

Official programme page: https://changemakerxchange.org/changemakers-for-equality/

Direct application form: https://cxcforms.typeform.com/CM4EQ2

The application deadline is 9 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC+2, according to the official application form.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Young social entrepreneurs often have practical ideas for solving problems in their communities but may lack access to mentors, international networks and financial support.

Programmes such as Changemakers for Equality aim to address these barriers by bringing people together, helping them improve their projects and encouraging collaboration across countries.

By supporting initiatives focused on education, employment, health, inclusion and economic opportunity, the programme seeks to help participants build solutions that can continue to benefit communities beyond the programme itself.

For eligible applicants with an active social or environmental initiative, the programme offers an opportunity to strengthen their leadership, learn from peers and explore partnerships that can expand their impact.

Applicants should consult the official website for the complete requirements, selection process and latest programme updates before applying.