Applications are now open for the Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF), a global initiative providing financial support to young people and youth-led organizations implementing projects that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the community level.
The fund is a partnership between the European Union and Global Youth Mobilization—an initiative led by the Big Six Youth Organisations.
Applications are open until March 31, 2026 (23:59 UTC), offering young changemakers an opportunity to secure funding for impactful community projects that address global challenges locally.
Purpose of the Youth Empowerment Fund
The Youth Empowerment Fund aims to remove financial barriers that prevent young people from implementing innovative community initiatives.
The programme empowers young people to:
- Develop and implement community-led projects
- Address global challenges at the local level
- Build leadership and project management skills
- Contribute to sustainable and inclusive development
Through this initiative, youth innovators can transform ideas into practical solutions that create meaningful change in their communities.
Funding Opportunities
The Youth Empowerment Fund provides micro-grants designed to support both individuals and youth organizations.
Funding levels include:
- €500 – €1,500: For individual applicants or informal groups of young people
- Up to €5,000: For registered youth-led organizations
These grants can be used to implement projects that generate measurable social, environmental, or economic impact.
Priority Focus Areas
The fund prioritizes projects that support under-represented or vulnerable communities.
Priority areas include:
- Climate change and environmental sustainability
- Gender equality and addressing gender-based barriers
- Socio-economic marginalization
- Disability inclusion and accessibility
- Community resilience and development
Projects focused on climate action, sustainability, and environmental protection are particularly encouraged.
Who Can Apply
The Youth Empowerment Fund supports a wide range of youth-led initiatives across different communities.
Eligible applicants include:
- Young individuals aged 14–30 years
- Informal groups of young people
- Registered youth-led organizations
Applicants must propose projects that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and demonstrate clear benefits for their communities.
Examples of Eligible Projects
Projects must address social or environmental challenges aligned with global development priorities.
Examples include:
- Climate change mitigation and environmental protection
- Access to education and youth empowerment
- Public health and community well-being
- Gender equality and social inclusion
- Skills development and employment opportunities
- Sustainable agriculture and food security
Projects should include clear implementation strategies and measurable community impact.
Additional Support for Selected Applicants
Beyond financial support, selected applicants will gain access to:
- Capacity-building workshops for project implementation
- Access to a global network of youth leaders and experts
- Mentorship and guidance throughout the project lifecycle
- Opportunities to collaborate with youth innovators worldwide
These resources help ensure projects are sustainable, impactful, and scalable.
Accelerator Programme Opportunities
Outstanding projects may also be selected for a special Accelerator Programme organized by Global Youth Mobilization.
Benefits include:
- Additional funding opportunities
- Advanced training and mentorship
- Access to global youth leadership networks
- Expert guidance to scale successful initiatives
Youth-Led Review Process
A unique aspect of the Youth Empowerment Fund is its youth-led evaluation system.
Applications are reviewed by:
- Experienced Youth Panellists
- Members of the Global Youth Mobilization Youth Board
Projects are assessed based on:
- Impact
- Feasibility
- Alignment with the SDGs
This ensures that young voices remain central in the decision-making process.
Accessible Application Process
The application process has been designed to ensure maximum accessibility.
Key features include:
- Application forms available in Arabic, English, French, and Spanish
- Simple and user-friendly online application forms
- Option to submit video links (YouTube, Google Drive, Dropbox) as supporting materials
- Availability of offline application forms for applicants with limited internet access
- Additional accommodations for applicants with disabilities
Applicants who require assistance can contact the programme team directly.
Application Deadline: Applicants must submit their applications before the official closing date.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Submission Time: 23:59 UTC
Early applications are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to complete all required sections.
Empowering Youth-Led Change
Through the Youth Empowerment Fund, the European Union and Global Youth Mobilization aim to empower young leaders to drive meaningful change within their communities.
By supporting youth-led innovation and grassroots initiatives, the programme contributes to building resilient communities and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Young people with creative ideas and a passion for community impact are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this global opportunity.
Apply here