Application Deadline: August 30, 2026
Young people are increasingly leading some of the most innovative solutions to environmental challenges, and the True Blue Fellowship 2026 offers a unique opportunity to turn creative ideas into real-world impact. Organized by Bow Seat, this global fellowship supports youth who use the creative arts to address issues related to oceans, waterways, and climate change in their communities.
More than just a grant program, the True Blue Fellowship serves as an incubator for emerging environmental leaders. The program combines funding, mentorship, peer learning, and capacity-building opportunities to help young changemakers develop projects that inspire awareness, action, and lasting community engagement.
Each year, 12 Fellows are selected from around the world to receive support for creative arts-based projects that tackle environmental and social justice challenges connected to the health of our planet. Whether through visual arts, music, storytelling, theater, photography, film, or other creative approaches, participants are encouraged to develop innovative projects that engage local communities and create measurable impact.
Projects supported through the fellowship should run for approximately one year and demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental action. Successful proposals will use creative arts as the primary tool for change, actively involve community members, and contribute to safeguarding oceans, waterways, and the climate.
The fellowship is particularly valuable for young people seeking leadership experience, international exposure, and practical project management skills. Beyond financial support, participants become part of a global network of environmental advocates and creative leaders working toward a more sustainable future.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the True Blue Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be between 16 and 24 years old at the start of the fellowship period.
- Be from any country worldwide.
- Submit their application in English.
- Be comfortable communicating in spoken English for discussions and collaboration.
- Apply as an individual, group, or organization.
- Designate one project leader if applying as a group or organization.
- Propose a project that is new or less than two years old.
- Use creative arts as the primary method for awareness, engagement, or action.
- Focus on issues related to oceans, waterways, and/or climate change.
- Submit only one fellowship application.
Applicants may use AI tools for research and learning purposes, but all application responses must be their own original work. Applications containing AI-generated answers may be disqualified.
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Benefits
Selected Fellows will receive:
- Funding of up to USD $2,500 to support their project.
- Mentorship and guidance from Bow Seat staff and environmental leaders.
- Access to capacity-building programs and workshops.
- Membership in a global community of youth changemakers.
- Support from the Future Blue Youth Council.
- Opportunities to strengthen leadership, project management, fundraising, and grant-writing skills.
- International networking and collaboration opportunities with other Fellows.
Even applicants who are not selected will gain access to valuable resources designed to help improve their project development, fundraising, and grant-writing abilities.
Application Process
Applications are reviewed based on several factors, including project alignment with the fellowship’s goals, knowledge of the environmental issue being addressed, feasibility of the proposed activities, budget and timeline planning, and the potential for measurable community impact.
Selected Fellows will participate in a year-long fellowship experience that includes monthly cohort meetings, mentorship activities, capacity-building workshops, community engagement, and regular project reporting. Fellows are also expected to collaborate with peers, participate in virtual discussions, and contribute updates on their project’s progress throughout the fellowship period.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should carefully review the fellowship guidelines and prepare a strong project proposal that clearly explains the environmental challenge being addressed, the creative approach being used, and the expected impact on the community.
For more details, visit True Blue Fellowship.
