Organizations working to create employment opportunities for young people and women now have an exciting opportunity to secure funding through the Blue Ambition Fund (BAF) 2026 Call for Applications. Managed by the Blue Ambition Fund, which is part of the Wilde Ganzen Foundation in the Netherlands, this funding opportunity seeks to empower organizations that are committed to promoting economic independence, strengthening small businesses, and creating sustainable employment opportunities for marginalized communities.

The Blue Ambition Fund supports non-profit organizations and social enterprises that are implementing innovative solutions to address youth unemployment, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen local economies. Through this open call, eligible organizations from Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Africa are invited to submit concept notes and organizational information for consideration.

If your organization is working to improve livelihoods through skills development, business support, entrepreneurship, or employment creation, this funding opportunity could provide the resources needed to expand your impact.

About the Blue Ambition Fund

The Blue Ambition Fund (BAF) is an initiative of the Wilde Ganzen Foundation, a Netherlands-based organization that works with local partners around the world to support sustainable development initiatives.

The Fund is committed to increasing economic independence among marginalized youth aged 15–35 years and women by investing in organizations that create meaningful employment opportunities and strengthen local businesses.

Rather than offering direct funding to individuals, the Blue Ambition Fund invests in organizations capable of delivering long-term, sustainable employment outcomes within their communities.

The Fund believes that empowering young people and women economically contributes to stronger communities, reduced poverty, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.

Objectives of the Blue Ambition Fund 2026 Call

The 2026 funding round focuses on supporting projects that deliver measurable improvements in employment and entrepreneurship.

Specifically, the Fund seeks organizations that can contribute to the following priorities:

1. Strengthening Small and Growing Businesses

The Blue Ambition Fund aims to support organizations that help Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs) increase their capacity and competitiveness.

Successful projects should focus on:

• Building business capacity
• Improving productivity
• Supporting business growth
• Strengthening entrepreneurship
• Expanding market opportunities
• Creating sustainable and dignified jobs

Organizations should demonstrate how their interventions will contribute to long-term business development while generating employment opportunities for young people and women.

2. Creating Sustainable Employment Opportunities

The second priority area focuses on helping young people and women gain meaningful employment through workforce development initiatives.

Eligible projects may include:

• Technical skills training
• Vocational skills development
• Soft skills training
• Career coaching
• Employment readiness programmes
• Job placement initiatives
• Workforce development programmes

A key requirement is collaboration with the private sector to ensure that training leads directly to sustainable wage employment.

The Blue Ambition Fund places strong emphasis on programmes that move beyond training alone by guaranteeing or facilitating real employment opportunities for participants.

Who Can Apply?

The Blue Ambition Fund is seeking applications from:

• Non-profit organizations
• Social enterprises

Applicants should have missions that align with the objectives of the Blue Ambition Fund, particularly those focused on youth employment, women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and sustainable livelihoods.

Before applying, organizations are strongly encouraged to review the Fund’s participation guidelines to determine whether they meet all eligibility requirements.

APPLY HERE

Countries Eligible for the 2026 Call

The current funding round is only open to organizations operating in the following countries:

• Uganda
• Ethiopia
• South Africa

Organizations outside these three countries are not eligible to apply under the current call.

Focus Areas for Funded Projects

Projects should contribute to one or more of the following areas:

• Youth employment
• Women’s economic empowerment
• Small business development
• Entrepreneurship support
• Skills development
• Workforce development
• Technical training
• Soft skills training
• Business coaching
• Employment placement
• Sustainable job creation
• Inclusive economic growth
• Capacity building

Funding Timeline

Organizations should take note of the important dates for the 2026 application cycle.

1 July 2026

Application window opens.

Applicants begin submitting:

• Organizational details
• Concept note

July – August 2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

This means organizations are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible rather than waiting until the closing date.

15 August 2026

Application deadline.

All required documents must be submitted before this date.

1 September 2026

Announcement of shortlisted organizations.

Selected organizations will move to the next stage of the application process.

September – October 2026

Shortlisted organizations will be invited to submit additional documentation, including:

• Most recent annual report
• Financial statements
• Complete funding application
• Due diligence assessment

Applicants will also participate in a short video interview.

November 2026 – January 2027

Successful organizations will:

• Sign grant agreements
• Complete contracting requirements
• Begin implementation with Blue Ambition Fund support

Application Process

Organizations interested in applying should carefully follow each stage of the application process.

Step 1

Read the Blue Ambition Fund participation guidelines thoroughly to confirm eligibility.

Step 2

Complete the required Organization Details Form.

Step 3

Prepare a Concept Note.

The concept note should:

• Be no more than 1,500 words
• Clearly describe the proposed project
• Demonstrate alignment with Blue Ambition Fund priorities
• Explain expected outcomes and impact

Step 4

Submit both documents before the deadline.

Applicants must email:

• Organization Details Form
• Concept Note

to:

•  marit@wildeganzen.nl
•  esly@wildeganzen.nl

Submission deadline:

15 August 2026

Visit HERE to learn more about the Blue Ambition Fund 2026 Call for Applications.

Why Organizations Should Apply

Organizations selected for funding will gain the opportunity to:

• Expand youth employment programmes
• Strengthen local entrepreneurship ecosystems
• Support women’s economic empowerment
• Increase business productivity
• Build partnerships with the private sector
• Deliver workforce development programmes
• Create sustainable employment opportunities
• Scale innovative community development initiatives
• Increase long-term organizational impact

Key Themes Supported by the Fund

The Blue Ambition Fund promotes projects that contribute to:

• Economic empowerment
• Youth employment
• Women’s employment
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Entrepreneurship
• Small business growth
• Skills development
• Capacity building
• Inclusive economic development
• Job creation

Why This Funding Matters

Youth unemployment remains one of the greatest development challenges across many African countries. At the same time, women continue to face barriers to accessing decent employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The Blue Ambition Fund recognizes that supporting organizations working directly with these communities can generate sustainable change by improving skills, strengthening businesses, and creating dignified employment.

By investing in local organizations with innovative solutions, the Fund contributes to stronger local economies and more inclusive development.

Deadline

Application Deadline: 15 August 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early, as submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the application period.

Conclusion

The Blue Ambition Fund 2026 Call for Applications presents an excellent opportunity for non-profit organizations and social enterprises in Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Africa to secure funding for projects that promote youth employment, women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable job creation.

Organizations with innovative programmes that strengthen small businesses, build workforce skills, and collaborate with the private sector to create lasting employment opportunities are strongly encouraged to apply. With a structured selection process and a clear focus on long-term impact, the Blue Ambition Fund continues to invest in initiatives that empower marginalized communities and contribute to sustainable economic development.

Interested organizations should carefully review the eligibility guidelines, prepare a compelling concept note, and submit all required documents before the 15 August 2026 deadline.

For more international grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, conferences, and other opportunities, visit Opportunities for Youth (OFY) at www.opportunitiesforyouth.org.