Applications are now open for the Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF), an initiative designed to support youth-led projects that create positive change in communities. The programme provides financial support and capacity-building opportunities for young people who are working on sustainable development ideas. It also places special attention on supporting underrepresented youth and communities affected by socio-economic challenges, gender inequality, disability, climate issues, or other forms of exclusion.
The Youth Empowerment Fund is a partnership between the European Union and the Global Youth Mobilization, an initiative of the Big Six Youth Organisations. The fund provides direct financial support and practical development opportunities to help young people implement sustainable development projects at the local level. The initiative is youth-led, meaning young people play key roles in the decision-making process, including selecting grant beneficiaries and serving on the governing board of the programme.
There are several benefits for those who apply. Successful applicants can receive project funding ranging from €500 to €5,000 depending on the category of application. Participants will also gain access to capacity-building workshops that provide support in areas such as communication, reporting, and project implementation. In addition, beneficiaries will become part of a global network of young changemakers working to make meaningful impacts in their communities.
The funding is divided into four levels. Level 1 provides €500 and is open to individuals and informal youth-led groups. Level 2 offers €1,500 and is also available to individuals and informal youth-led groups. Level 3 provides €3,000 and is open only to registered youth-led organisations. Level 4 offers €5,000 in funding and is also reserved for registered youth-led organisations.
Eligible projects must be youth-led and involve young people aged 14 to 30 from eligible countries. Applications are accepted from individuals, informal groups, and registered youth-led organisations. Proposed projects should align with one or more of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Special consideration will be given to projects that support underrepresented communities, address climate change, promote environmental protection, or focus on sustainability.
Young people aged 14 to 30 who have ideas that can create positive change in their communities are encouraged to apply.
Applications close on 31 March 2026. Interested applicants can apply at https://yef-gym.tfaforms.net/f/cycle3.
