The Global Solvers Accelerator (GSA) 2027, run by the Melton Foundation, is a ten-month leadership program for people aged 20 to 35 who lead an ongoing project, community initiative or movement tied to the Sustainable Development Goals. Applications close on 15 November 2026, and the page does not state a time zone. The program page sets no country restriction, so volunteers and civil society leaders in the Arab world can apply. It is not a growth accelerator. It is a peer-learning space for people already doing the work.
Global Solvers Accelerator 2027 at a glance
| Application deadline | 15 November 2026 (time zone not stated) |
| Who can apply | People aged 20 to 35 involved in an ongoing SDG-related project or community initiative, with influence over its decisions |
| Countries | No country restriction on the program page |
| Format | Online from 1 April to 30 November 2027, plus a week-long in-person Co-Lab in Germany |
| Time commitment | About 4 hours per week |
| Cost | Program fee of USD 900, payable only if selected. Scholarships cover 20%, 50% or 80% for proven need |
| Apply at | Application form |
Who can apply?
You must be between 20 and 35, actively involved in an initiative linked to the SDGs, and able to influence its decisions. The Melton Foundation also asks for demonstrated social impact, enough English to take full part, about four hours a week and the ability to attend the Co-Lab.
What do participants get?
- Ten months of work on leadership, shared leadership and the projects participants already run.
- A fully funded in-person Co-Lab in Germany, listed for 3 to 10 July 2027 (tentative dates).
- Peer exchange across communities and access to the Melton Senior Fellowship, which the page describes as a network of 650+ fellows.
- Participation in the GSA Fund, awarded to participant projects near the end of the program, as the page describes it.
How to apply
- Read the Application Guide on the Melton Foundation program page.
- Complete the application form by 15 November 2026, and request a scholarship inside the form if you need one.
- If you advance, the Foundation contacts your two references in early December 2026. Shortlisted candidates take a 120-minute virtual assessment center on 30 January 2027.
The page advises against drafting the whole application with AI tools and says such applications will likely be eliminated.
Advice from the Elathar team
- Volunteers who now lead a campaign, a local group or an association should describe the decisions they make themselves. The page requires influence over decisions.
- Show what changed because of your work, with numbers or documents you can share, since demonstrated impact is a stated requirement.
- Ask two referees now. They are contacted in early December if you advance.
- Plan for the USD 900 fee or request a scholarship in the form, and check that you can attend the Co-Lab in Germany.
FAQ
Is there a fee to apply?
The page lists a USD 900 program fee payable only if you are selected. It mentions no fee to submit the application.
Do I need to be in an NGO?
No. A project, enterprise, research effort, movement or community initiative all qualify if it ties to the SDGs and you can influence its decisions.
Is English required?
Yes. The page asks for enough English to take full part in the program.
Can I apply if my project is small?
The page sets no size requirement. It asks for demonstrated social impact and for a project you help steer.
Sources
Melton Foundation: Global Solvers Accelerator
