Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2027 Rise Up Together Leadership & Advocacy Accelerator Program. Global nonprofit Rise Up Together will select a group of visionary local leaders in South Africa’s Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces to participate in our Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator training from April 12 to April 17, 2027, to strengthen gender equity and justice. Through Rise Up Together’s program, these leaders will advance transformative change in their organizations and communities, and champion improved national and local laws, programs, and funding for women, girls, and gender-nonconforming people.
Participants will join Rise Up Together’s growing global network of more than 1,080 changemakers across Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and the United States.
Program Details
Hybrid Accelerator: The comprehensive four-week program combines a six-day, in-person intensive training with virtual sessions, totalling 60–65 hours of instruction. Leaders participate in orientation, residential training, virtual follow-up, technical assistance, and panel discussions designed to strengthen their advocacy skills and strategy.
Grants: After completing the Accelerator, leaders are eligible to apply for up to $17,000 in seed funding to launch a systems-change gender equity advocacy project.
Rise Up Together provides tailored support, including proposal development, grant making assistance, advocacy strategy guidance, networking, and ongoing professional development. Join us to expand your network, amplify your voice, and collaborate in building a global movement for gender equity and justice!
Selection Criteria
Each Rise Up Together cohort includes 25 participants. Leaders are selected through a competitive application review and interview process. We seek a diverse cohort of leaders representing different backgrounds, sectors, geographies, experiences, and perspectives. Eligible candidates must meet the following selection criteria:
• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of the training.
• Currently working in Gauteng or KwaZulu-Natal.
• Demonstrate a commitment to advancing gender equity in one or more of the following areas: climate, health, education, and economic opportunity for women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
• Work closely with or represent socially and economically marginalized communities, including women and girls, persons with disabilities, ethnic or religious minorities, and other historically disadvantaged populations.
• Be able to fully participate in the Accelerator activities during March and April 2027. This includes an orientation, three virtual sessions in March, and a six-day, in-person residential workshop from April 12–17, 2027 (plus arrival and departure days). Rise Up Together will cover eligible program-related costs, including travel, accommodation, meals, and training materials.
• Be a founder, co-founder, staff member, or volunteer of a nonprofit organization, civil society organization, or academic or research institution, serving in a coordination, management, or other decision-making role.
• Have the support of your organization’s leadership to participate in Rise Up Together’s Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator.
• To be eligible for a grant, Rise Up Together requires organizations to be legally registered in country and set up to receive international funds. Entities that are not registered can be sponsored by another financial entity or fiscal sponsor. Note: Government organizations are not eligible to receive grants through this program.
• Rise Up Together strongly encourages people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, gender nonconforming individuals, and formerly incarcerated people to apply.
• Proficient in oral and written English.
ACCELERATOR DETAILS
- April 12-17, 2027
- 25 Participants
- Rise Up Together will cover all costs related to program participation, including travel, accommodation, resources, and materials.
Contact: Rise Up Together’s South Africa Country Representative, Rethabile Mphutlane at [email protected]
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Rise Up Together Leadership & Advocacy Accelerator Program
