Young people with ideas for tackling climate change, improving mental health support or widening access to sport and the arts can now apply for an $80,000 funding pool under the 2026 Bright Future Prize.
The annual bursary programme is run by the Ardonagh Community Trust (ACT), the charitable arm of global insurance distribution platform The Ardonagh Group. It is open to applicants aged 15 to 21 from countries where the group operates, including Australia and New Zealand.
Funding will be distributed across four categories. “Your Planet” supports environmental initiatives focused on climate action, sustainable living or the development of green spaces. “Your Community” is aimed at projects addressing social issues, education, health or wellbeing at a local level. “Your Vision” covers technology and entrepreneurship-led concepts designed to drive positive change, while “Your Passion” focuses on improving access to sport, music, arts and other cultural activities. Winners across the categories will share the total prize fund.
Entries are open must be submitted through an online application form on the ACT website from February 9 to March 1. Applicants may apply individually or as a group.
Since its launch in 2021, the programme has provided more than $370,000 in funding to over 45 young people globally. Projects backed to date have included sustainable technology solutions, mental health initiatives and youth-led festivals.
“Since the launch of Bright Future Prize in 2021, we have empowered over 45 young people worldwide. Reaching from Brazil to Australia, we have had the privilege of supporting these aspiring young leaders to launch projects ranging from sustainable technology solutions to mental health initiatives and youth festivals. It is both humbling and awe inspiring to see the impact that young people are making in their local communities,” said Ashley Hammond, head of charity and community at The Ardonagh Group.
Australian recipients have featured among past winners. In 2024, Chloe McCormick (pictured above, left) from Victoria won in the “Your Planet” category for CodeGreen, a project aimed at equipping children with coding skills to address climate-related challenges. In 2025, Sydney-based computer engineering student Kanishk Aggarwal (pictured above, right) was selected as the “Your Vision” category winner for developing health diagnostics technology intended to improve care in the home.
“It’s inspiring to be part of an insurance group with a charitable mission. Not only does ACT support causes around the world, through Bright Future we have a unique opportunity to invest in the next generation—helping them to make a difference to the people, communities and wider world around them,” said Paul Lynam, Ardonagh Australia chairman and ACT trustee.
