A six-month pilot programme supporting Diana Award Recipients across Africa to strengthen, sustain and scale their social action work.
The Development Programme is a new pilot opportunity designed specifically for Diana Award Recipients based across Africa and Asia who are already leading social action in their communities.
Supported by AGFUND, this six-month programme has been created to support young changemakers to strengthen, sustain and grow the work they are already leading through expert-led learning, peer connection and personalised development support.
The programme has been shaped through engagement with Diana Award Recipients across Africa and Asia, who highlighted a need for practical support around sustainability, leadership, partnerships, funding and growth.
Cohort 1 Key Dates
Applications Open: July - August 2026
Programme Onboarding: September 2026
Programme Starts: October 2026
Through this programme, participants will join a community of fellow changemakers and gain access to opportunities that support both their personal development and the long-term impact of their work.
This pilot programme is open exclusively to Diana Award Recipients who:
Participants will have the opportunity to:
Throughout the programme, participants will build a Personal Growth Plan to help them apply learning directly to their work and identify practical next steps.
Participants will explore themes including:
The programme is delivered virtually over six months and includes:
The programme is designed to fit alongside participants' existing commitments and social action work.
Participants should expect to commit approximately 6 hours per month over six months, including:
Optional networking and engagement opportunities
Please note that applications may close early if we receive a high volume of applications, so early applications are encouraged.
The Development Programme is a six-month pilot programme designed specifically for Diana Award Recipients based across Africa and Asia who are already leading social action in their communities.
Supported by AGFUND, the programme combines expert-led learning, peer connection and personalised development support to help participants strengthen, sustain and scale their existing work.
To be eligible, applicants must:
No. Participation in the programme is completely free.
Up to 25 participants will be selected to join this cohort.
A second cohort of up to 25 participants is expected to begin in January 2027, creating further opportunities for Diana Award Recipients to participate.
This programme has been designed primarily for Diana Award Recipients who are already running projects, initiatives, campaigns or organisations and are looking to strengthen, sustain or grow their work.
Applicants at earlier stages are welcome to apply, but priority may be given to those with existing social action experience.
Participants will explore topics including:
The programme is designed to fit alongside participants’ existing commitments, including studies, work and social action.
Participants should expect to commit at least 6 hours per month over the six-month programme. This includes live online learning sessions, interactive workshops and peer learning, community engagement, reflection activities, two individual development support sessions and optional networking opportunities.
Successful applicants will take part in onboarding activities ahead of the programme start. The programme will then run virtually for six months.
Successful applicants will be invited to:
Applications will first be reviewed against the eligibility criteria.Eligible applications will then be assessed based on:
We will also seek to create a diverse cohort representing different countries, sectors and experiences.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to attend a short online conversation as part of the selection process. Further information will be shared if interviews are required.
Participants who complete the programme and engage fully in activities will receive a certificate of participation from The Diana Award.
Sessions will be delivered online via Microsoft Teams, and participants will also have access to a dedicated community space where they can connect with other Diana Award Recipients, access resources and continue conversations between sessions.
A second cohort is planned, and unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to stay connected for future updates.
If you have any questions about the programme or application process, please contact:
We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our funding partner.
