Welcome to the latest issue of Community Pulse. This edition shares the next steps in rolling out our new regional coordination structure as the Global Alliance for Communities moves from formation to action. We share updates from regional visits and the recent members townhall shaping our leadership framework, spotlight the impactful work of Drawing Dreams Initiative in Kenya, bring you continental news on youth-led community action, and highlight new funding opportunities to support your work and growth.

Rolling Out the New Regional Structure

The Global Alliance for Communities has begun implementing its new regional coordination structure, with the Lead visiting member regions to initiate elections and formalize representation. On 25 February, members from Kenya Region One met in Kisumu to elect their representatives and operationalize the new structure, demonstrating strong commitment and ownership. The next Kenya regional meeting will take place in Nairobi on 5 March as the process continues.

Shaping the Alliance’s next chapter together

On 5 February, members gathered virtually to reflect on the Alliance’s growth and discuss the next phase of strengthening country and regional coordination. The discussion focused on building clearer structures, strengthening accountability, and ensuring leadership reflects active programmatic expertise and real community priorities. Members were introduced to the new leadership framework, including representation and thematic roles, marking an important step toward a more structured and action-oriented Alliance.

Drawing Dreams Initiative: Advancing holistic education and youth empowerment

Drawing Dreams Initiative is a community-led organization working across Laikipia, Isiolo, and Samburu counties to advance holistic education, menstrual equity, sexual and reproductive health and rights, teenage mothers’ empowerment, and 21st-century skills for underserved youth. Through its Rise Kenya Teachers’ Training initiative, delivered with Girl Rising, the organization equips educators with life skills and gender sensitization tools, reaching more than 6,000 girls and boys in Laikipia County and helping unlock brighter futures. Read more here.

Africa’s Youth Call for Community Action Following AU Summit

Following the African Union (AU) Heads of State Summit in Addis Ababa, youth leaders from across the continent are urging governments and institutions to turn summit commitments into measurable action at the community level. The Youth Charter Africa, representing youth organizations in over 30 countries, emphasized that progress on water access, education, employment, and innovation must be rooted in locally led solutions. The call highlights the role of grassroots networks and community actors in advancing peacebuilding, economic opportunity, and sustainable development outcomes for young Africans. Read more here.

Resource Corner

Grant Alert: The Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) is offering business investment loans to Zambian SMEs, cooperatives, and special groups including youth, women, and persons with disabilities across 24 priority sectors such as agriculture, solar energy, and mining. Priority is given to scalable projects that promote local industrialization and job creation. Deadline: February 27, 2026

Call for Applications: The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is supporting women social entrepreneurs with a minimum of three years of operation who are advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Selected leaders will receive award travel and training opportunities. Priority is given to scalable, community-driven impact initiatives. Deadline: March 8, 2026

Funding Opportunity: The World Food Prize Innovate for Impact Challenge is offering up to $50,000 to early-stage agritech startups from concept to pre-Series A working to address food security. Applicants must have at least one full-time founder. Priority is given to scalable, high-impact technology solutions. Deadline: April 15, 2026