ACWAY Fellows Seed Funding Programme
ACWAY, supported by the Fondation Pierre et Laura Zurcher, is pleased to announce the launch of our Seed Funding Programme. This programme is an opportunity to support Fellows to take their ideas, skills, and connections developed through ACWAY and put them into action in their community.
As a Fellow, you are encouraged to think about what change is needed in your own communities and how a relatively small amount of seed funding could help make that change possible.
Application deadline: 30 November 2026 23:59 GMT (Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.)
Who can apply
- Led or co-led by an ACWAY Fellow
- Less than 35 years of age at the time of project implementation (If more than 1 ACWAY Fellow is participating in your project, a minimum of 1 person needs to be younger than 35.)
What projects is ACWAY looking for?
Projects should be locally relevant, community-focused, achievable within the project period, and aligned with ACWAY’s Interfaith Development Goals (IDGs).
Different types and scales of projects are welcome. This could include community dialogues, workshops, campaigns, educational activities, youth-led initiatives, interfaith activities, pilot projects, or other creative approaches to addressing challenges within your community.
How much can I apply for?
Three levels of funding are available:
Micro Grant
Up to USD 500
Small-scale activities, first-time initiatives, awareness activities, or pilot
Seed Grant
USD 500–1,000
Community workshops, dialogue activities, engagement projects, or more developed pilots
Impact Grant
USD 1,000–2,000
Larger projects with greater community reach, partnerships, or potential for sustained impact
You should apply for the amount your project genuinely needs and provide a clear budget explaining how the funds will be used. ACWAY may offer the full amount requested or a partial award depending on the proposal, budget, and available funding.
How will projects be selected?
Applications will be reviewed based on criteria including:
- Alignment with ACWAY’s Interfaith Development Goals
- Community impact
- Feasibility and scalability
- Community engagement
- Sustainability
- Value for money
You do not need to have previously conducted a project to apply. However, Fellows who have previously implemented an ACWAY-related project and submitted the corresponding project report to ACWAY before submitting their Seed Funding application will receive additional consideration during the selection process, particularly if the Seed Funding is used to scale-up your previously submitted ACWAY project.
How does the funding work?
Successful applicants will be required to sign an ACWAY Seed Funding Agreement before receiving funding.
Funding will then be provided in two stages:
70% – Initial Payment
Transferred following the signing of the Seed Funding Agreement.
30% – Final Payment
Transferred following successful project completion and approval of the final narrative and financial reports.
Accommodations can be approved at the discretion of the AWCAY Executive Committee.
Project reporting
All successful applicants will be required to complete their project and report to ACWAY by [28 February 2027].
Reporting may include:
- A short narrative report
- A financial report
- Receipts and/or other proof of expenditure
- Media (photo and video) and/or other evidence of project activities
- Key outcomes, reflections, and lessons learned
How to Apply
Step 1 – Read the Applicant Guidelines
Please review the programme requirements and eligibility criteria before beginning your application. [Download Applicant Guidelines]
Step 2 – Develop your project idea
Identify the community challenge you would like to address, your project’s Primary IDG, any additional IDGs it contributes to, your proposed activities, and the outcomes you hope to achieve.[Download Project Proposal]
Step 3 – Prepare your budget
Download and complete the ACWAY Project Budget Template. Your budget should show the total cost of the project and clearly identify the amount you are requesting from ACWAY. [Download Budget Template].
Step 4 – Submit your application
Complete the online application form and upload your project proposal and budget proposal.
Application deadline: 30 November 2026, , 23:59 GMT (Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.)
Key dates
- Mid Oct 2026 – Applications open
- Mid Nov 2026 – Application deadline
- Early–Mid Dec 2026 – Applications reviewed and successful projects announced
- Mid–End Dec 2026 – Seed Funding Agreements signed and initial 70% funding transferred
- Dec 2026 – Feb 2027 – Project implementation
- 28 Feb 2027 – Projects completed and final reports submitted to ACWAY
- Mar 2027 – Final reports reviewed and remaining 30% funding transferred
Contact information
If you have questions about the programme or application process contact the ACWAY Seed Funding Team – admin@acway.org
The ACWAY Fellows Seed Funding Programme is supported by the Fondation Pierre et Laura Zurcher.