100 Young Leaders Awards | Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust’s 2026 (Deadline: 8 October, 2025)

Applications are open for the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust’s 100 Young Leaders Awards 2026. In commemoration of what would have been Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday in April 2026, the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust (QECT) plans to launch a special initiative to recognise 100 inspirational Young Leaders from across the Commonwealth.

Building on the legacy of the Queen’s Young Leaders programme, this new award will celebrate exceptional individuals from diverse regions, representing QECT’s five key focus areas: education and employability, environment, food and agriculture, health, and inclusion. This initiative aims to elevate the profiles of these Young Leaders globally, empowering them to further amplify their social impact within their communities, countries, and regions.

Benefits

The Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust’s 100 Young Leaders Awards seeks to enhance the global visibility of emerging leaders, enabling them to expand their societal contributions while fostering sustainable development within their respective communities. The awardees will receive:

• 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.

Eligibility

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

This application form is your chance to share your story, your impact, and your vision for the future. They are not only looking for results – they are looking for authenticity, resilience, and purpose. Be bold, be honest, and help them understand the change you’re leading.

For more information, visit QECT 100 Young Leaders Awards.