Peace First’s new approach to grantmaking continues to evolve, rooted in the journeys of the incredible young leaders we support. We know that every changemaker’s path is unique, and we remain committed to tailoring our grants to meet their specific needs, whether that means launching a project, growing an initiative, or overcoming barriers to success.
The grantees featured here embody how this model is helping us build a stronger, more connected community of young leaders with increasing global diversity. Each one brings a distinct story of courage, creativity, and impact, and we are honored to walk alongside them as they transform their communities and inspire change worldwide.
Based in Zaachila, Oaxaca, SiKanda brings deep experience in social inclusion and sustainable development. We will supporting the Visible Youth, a project supporting adolescents and young adults, particularly young women, through workshops, mentoring, and youth-led community action focused on leadership, gender equity, and peacebuilding.
Through our partnership on the Visible Youth project, we’re working together to:
- Support a cohort of 20 adolescents and young adults.
- Elevate local approaches to gender equity, peacebuilding.
- Center the lived experiences of Oaxaca’s youth.
This partnership is about more than program delivery. It is about co-creating approaches that honor lived experience, center local leadership, and uplift stories that too often go untold. SiKanda brings powerful insight to our global network, helping shape how we think about youth engagement and community-led change.
THRiVE Hub is a youth-centered organization based in Lagos, Nigeria, working to expand access to workforce education, mentorship, and early career opportunities for young people navigating financial and structural barriers.
Through Peace First’s support, our partnership with THRiVE Hub strengthened program implementation, reduced participation barriers, and enabled the organization to engage more young people than in the previous year. As a result, THRiVE Hub expanded and deepened its impact through the following initiatives:
- LaunchPad Fellowship Program: THRiVE Hub engaged 25 young people in a hybrid professional development pathway aligned with real-world workforce expectations. Fellows built in-demand skills, participated in virtual and in-person learning, and secured paid internships in areas such as software development, product design, and content creation. Our support helped provide internet stipends, improving access and continuity.
THRiVE Hub Scholarship Program: THRiVE Hub supported 11 university students facing significant financial strain with essential academic and living expenses. Beyond financial relief, scholars gained mentorship, a strong peer network, and priority access to fellowships and paid internship opportunities.
THRiVE Hub Cafés: THRiVE Hub hosted in-person, intergenerational mentorship gatherings across two cities, creating inclusive spaces for learning, guidance, and community connection beyond selective programs.
With support from Peace First, World Food Forum (WFF) Nepal and Youth Food Lab Nepal launched 100 Ideas in 100 Days for the Four Betters, a youth-led innovation initiative advancing sustainable food systems in Nepal.
Implemented in partnership with FAO Nepal and in collaboration with the National Youth Council, the initiative mobilized local youth teams to develop 100 practical, community-based ideas in 100 days aligned with FAO’s Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, and Better Life.
Through guided ideation, mentorship, and community engagement, young people transformed local challenges into actionable solutions. From the ideas generated, eight high-potential youth-led innovations (two per Better) were selected to receive seed support, enabling teams to move from concepts to pilot-ready prototypes.
The initiative strengthened youth confidence, leadership, and problem-solving skills, while fostering deeper collaboration between youth, communities, and local stakeholders—demonstrating the power of youth-driven solutions in shaping resilient, inclusive food systems.
- Janet , Ghana
- Michael L, Tanzania
- Monica P, Tanzania
- Chelsea J, Nigeria
- Laurette P, Kenya
- Irenge B, Uganda
- Simeon K, Malawi
- Memory T, Zambia
- Sameer K, Pakistan
- Kabi P, Nepal
- Sabrina C, Brasil
- Gustavo C, Nicaragua
- Emma S, Honduras
- Lian M, Colombia
- Girish P, India
- Ankush, India
- HERI P, Rwanda
- John F, Nigeria
- Esohe I, Nigeria
- Francis F, Nigeria
- Jade P, Mexico
- Ara T, Mexico
- Theodora E, Rwanda
- Nicholas D, Brasil
- Manana S, India
- Karla N, Mexico
This year, we awarded four development grants. These projects will move forward as our new cohort of development grantees, working together with Peace First to design and build their initiatives. Throughout the program, they will receive training, mentorship, and guidance to support their development.
- Michelle H, Peru
- Paul M, Ghana
- Marwah A, Indonesia
- Shreyansh S, India
This year, we awarded three Growth Grants to changemakers who have demonstrated strong impact and the potential to scale their work. These leaders are ready to take their projects to the next stage, and we’ll be working closely with them, providing mentorship, guidance, and hands-on support as they continue to grow and strengthen their initiatives.
- Fabris M, Uganda
- Luthando S, South Africa
- Agness L, USA
The Changemaking in Action Grant empowers young leaders to drive impactful projects in their communities while gaining real-world experience. Grant recipients receive resources, mentorship, and opportunities to lead, learn, and grow.
This year, each EMY Awards runner-up received a Changemaking in Action Grant to support their projects and recognize their leadership and commitment to social change. In addition, we awarded grants to Vivi Ndya and Kenndicta, hosts of our community podcast, in recognition of their contributions and impact within the Peace First community.
Together, these grants reflect our commitment to recognizing and investing in young people who are already leading change. By supporting both project-based initiatives and community-building efforts, the Changemaking in Action Grant helps young leaders strengthen their work, deepen their impact, and continue growing as changemakers within their communities.
Read the Stories of Our 2025 Grantees
When Children Find Their Voice, Change Begins
Art, Advocacy, and Hope: The Journey of COHAS
One Egg at a Time: How Youth Can Change a Community
Eighteen, Seen, and Set in Motion
From Silence to Movement Builder: My Journey of Empowering Girls in Tanzania
