Rise Up Opens applications for Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator in Kenya -

Global nonprofit Rise Up has launched a call for applications for its Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator program, designed to advance gender equity and justice in girls’ education. This intensive training initiative equips civil society leaders with skills, funding, and a global network to drive change.

The program will take place in Nairobi from July 14 to 19, 2025, with a virtual orientation on June 30, 2025.

About the Program

The Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator is a hybrid model combining virtual and in-person training, leadership development, project funding, and technical support. Participants will learn to design and implement advocacy strategies that improve educational outcomes for women, girls, and gender-nonconforming people in Kenya.

Program Benefits

Rise Up will select 25 civil society leaders from Kenya to join the program. Participants will:

Become part of a global network of over 800 leaders advocating for policy and systemic changes in gender equity.
Receive a $17,000 grant to implement advocacy initiatives for gender justice in education.
Gain training in leadership, advocacy, and policy change to influence laws, policies, and funding decisions.
Access mentorship and technical support to maximize project impact.
Be equipped to train fellow leaders in their communities.
Have all participation costs covered, including travel, accommodation, food, and materials.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be at least 18 years old by July 2025.
Be based in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, or Machakos Counties.
Demonstrate a commitment to advancing gender equity in health, education, and economic opportunity.
Work with marginalized communities, including socially or economically disadvantaged groups, women and girls with disabilities, and ethnic/religious minorities.
Be available for the full in-person training (July 14-19, 2025) and virtual sessions before and after the program.
Hold a coordination or management role in a non-profit, civil society, media, or government organization with decision-making responsibilities.
Have organizational support to participate.
Be proficient in spoken and written English.

To receive grant funding, organizations must be legally registered in Kenya and able to receive international funds. Unregistered entities can participate through a legally registered sponsor. Government organizations are not eligible for grants.

A Global Impact

Since 2009, Rise Up’s network of over 800 leaders has successfully advocated for 218 new and improved laws and policies, positively impacting more than 172 million people worldwide. In Kenya, the selected leaders will contribute to this legacy by driving systemic change for equitable education opportunities.