Amid deep political and social divides, many young and older people alike across the United States are feeling disempowered, seeking new ways to contribute meaningfully in their communities. These generations, often seen as worlds apart, share more common purpose than we tend to realize—and through storytelling, they can uncover that shared ground and use it to drive change.

The Legacy Project, Inc., with support from The Eisner Foundation, is excited to launch the inaugural cohort for the Intergenerational Changemakers Fellowship. This is a 6 Month Fellowship (November 2025-April 2026) created for bold younger and older leaders looking to redefine what civic action means in their communities. Participants will have the opportunity to build a connection with an older or younger adult in their hub city, as well as a national cohort of pairs from other cities. Each pair will engage in a four-month storytelling and writing exercise, culminating in the creation of a collective published book, and a two-month civic engagement project. Pairs will receive $1,000 stipend to co-launch a civic micro-initiative in their own communities to address an issue they jointly care about.

These initiatives might look like:

  • Convening a multigenerational civic dialogue on bridging divides

  • Creating a community garden or pantry that serves people of all ages

  • Co-testifying at a local government meeting on issues related to aging or youth

  • Hosting a multi-generational event packing food to combat local food insecurity

Eligibility:

  • Participants must reside in or proximate to one of the following six host areas: Boston, MA; New York City, NY; Washington, DC/Baltimore, MD; Atlanta, GA; Providence, RI; San Diego, CA

  • College Students (18-24 yrs old) or older adults (65+)

  • College students might already be involved in a TLP chapter or become a new member of TLP through this project.

  • Willing to engage in a 6-month project incorporating storytelling/writing as well as a civic action project

  • Willing to be interviewed at the end of the project to produce insights for the Intergenerational Changemakers Atlas, which will be used as a national blueprint for intergenerational civic engagement.

Program Timeline

  • October 31, 2025: Application Due Date 11:59 PM EST

    • Open call for participants (older + younger adults) across six hub areas.

  • November 7, 2025: Pairs Selected and Announced

    • Pairs selected and publicly announced shortly thereafter; Kick off call with full group on Monday November 10th, 2025 8 PM EST/5 PM PST

  • November 2025 - End of February 2026: Storytelling and Writing Process

    • Pairs are matched and engage in guided story exchanges; Produce chapters to contribute to the group’s book, which will be published; Monthly full-group virtual learning sessions begin.

  • March - April 2026: Micro-Initiatives Launch

    • Each pair launches their own community action project with mini-grant support of $1,000.

  • April - May 2026: Pairs are interviewed about their experience; stories collected for the Intergenerational Atlas.

  • Start of Summer 2026: Release of the Intergenerational Story-to-Action Atlas, a digital showcase and toolkit for others to replicate. Will be publicized nationally.

Apply to Join the 2025–2026 Cohort

Applications are due by October 31, 2025.

We’re looking for curious, passionate participants, older and younger adults, who believe in the power of storytelling to move the needle on issues that matter.

👉 APPLY HERE

Questions?

Learn more about The Legacy Project at legacyprojectinc.org and follow along as we share stories from the Intergenerational Changemakers Fellowship through our Instagram (@thelegacyprojectus) or our newsletter (on homepage).
Contact us at arielle@legacyprojectinc.org with any questions or partnership inquiries.