The 2025 Open Call for Youth-Led Solutions is now accepting applications from March 3 to March 24, 2025. With funding ranging from 500 to 5,000 EUR, young individuals, informal groups, and youth-led organizations can access the necessary resources to bring their innovative solutions to life.

The Youth Empowerment Fund, a joint initiative of the European Union (EU) and Global Youth Mobilization (GYM), aims to empower young people by breaking financial barriers and supporting initiatives that address environmental sustainability, climate change, gender equity, and other social issues. Special consideration is given to applicants from under-represented backgrounds, including individuals facing socio-economic challenges, disabilities, and marginalization.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: March 24, 2025, 23:59 CET
• Funding Type: Micro-grants
• Organizers: European Union (EU)
• Delivered By: Global Youth Mobilization (GYM)
• Eligible Countries: Countries in the list
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Youth-led initiatives, under-represented communities, marginalized groups
• Focus Areas: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate action, gender equality, social inclusion, environmental protection
• Duration: Project-based funding
• Program Languages: English, Arabic, French, and Spanish

Benefits

The participants will benefit from the YEF as follows:

• Access to Funding: Grants range from €500-€1,500 for individuals/groups and up to €5,000 for registered, youth-led organizations.
• Supporting Underrepresented Communities: Focus on marginalized groups, including those affected by climate change, disabilities, and gender-based barriers.
• Climate and Sustainability Focused: Prioritizing projects addressing climate action, environmental protection, and sustainability.
• Reviewed by Youth Panellists Globally: Applications are assessed by a diverse team of youth reviewers worldwide.
• Capacity Building Opportunities: Workshops, mentorship, and expert guidance for project implementation.
• Accelerator Program: Additional funding, leadership training, expert support, and global networking opportunities for outstanding projects.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply for the YEF?

• Applicants must be between 14 and 30 years old
• Bea  national of the following countries
• Open to individuals, informal youth groups, and registered youth-led organizations
• Projects must align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Special consideration for projects addressing climate change, gender barriers, and inclusion of marginalized communities
• Projects should have a clear impact on the local community

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be from the following countries:

Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China (People’s Republic of), Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Wallis and Futuna, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Required Documents

What to submit?

• Completed application form
• Project proposal detailing objectives, activities, and expected impact
• Budget breakdown for requested funding
• (For organizations) Proof of registration or legal status
• Supporting documents like photos, videos, or testimonials

How to Apply?

• Visit the official Youth Empowerment Fund application portal using the link below.
• Fill out the application form with project details and budget plan.
• Apply before the deadline (March 24, 2025, 23:59 CET).

Apply Now

For further inquiries or accessibility support, contact [email protected]. Or visit its official website.

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