Youth-led organizations and social enterprises in Ghana now have an exciting opportunity to strengthen their impact through the SPARK Change-Makers Project 2026, an initiative under the EU-Ghana Youth Empowerment Programme.

Implemented by SOS Children’s Villages Ghana in partnership with the European Union and other collaborating organizations, the programme is designed to empower youth-led and youth-focused civil society organizations (CSOs) and social enterprises with the knowledge, skills, mentorship, and technical support they need to expand their impact and contribute to sustainable development.

Beyond training and organizational development, the programme also provides successful participants with the opportunity to compete for grant funding, enabling them to scale their projects and create lasting change within their communities.

If your organization is passionate about empowering young people, promoting innovation, protecting the environment, or strengthening communities, this programme offers an excellent platform to build capacity and access future funding opportunities.

About the SPARK Change-Makers Project

The SPARK Change-Makers Project is a comprehensive organizational development programme that seeks to strengthen youth-led organizations before providing access to financial support.

Rather than offering immediate grants, the programme adopts a phased approach, ensuring participating organizations first receive intensive capacity-building support to improve their effectiveness, governance, sustainability, and long-term impact.

Selected organizations will participate in a structured programme that equips them with practical skills, strategic guidance, and expert support before becoming eligible to compete for grant funding.

The initiative focuses on empowering young people between the ages of 18 and 35 by strengthening the organizations that serve and represent them.

Programme Benefits

Organizations selected for the SPARK Change-Makers Project will receive a wide range of support designed to strengthen their operations and increase their impact.

Benefits include:

• Comprehensive organizational capacity development.
• Leadership and organizational skills training.
• One-on-one coaching from experienced professionals.
• Expert mentorship throughout the programme.
• Technical assistance and advisory support.
• Networking opportunities with partners and stakeholders.
• Access to future grant funding opportunities.
• Support for developing sustainable income-generating activities.
• Improved organizational sustainability and long-term growth.
• Increased ability to deliver impactful community projects.

Opportunity to Access Grant Funding

One of the major highlights of the SPARK Change-Makers Project is the opportunity to access grant funding.

Organizations that successfully complete the programme’s capacity-strengthening phase become eligible to compete for grants that can help expand and scale their initiatives.

This ensures that participating organizations are better prepared to manage funding effectively while maximizing community impact.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to organizations that are youth-led or youth-focused and operate within the programme’s six implementing regions of Ghana.

Eligible applicants include:

• Youth-led civil society organizations (CSOs).
• Youth-focused civil society organizations.
• Youth-led social enterprises.
• Youth-focused social enterprises.

Priority Focus Areas

The SPARK Change-Makers Project supports organizations working in sectors that contribute to youth empowerment and sustainable development.

Priority areas include:

1. Gender Empowerment

Projects that promote gender equality, women’s empowerment, inclusion, and equal opportunities for young people.

2. Agriculture and Environmental Protection

Initiatives focused on sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, environmental conservation, food security, and green innovation.

3. Peace and Security

Projects that promote peaceful communities, conflict prevention, civic participation, and social cohesion.

4. Culture and Creative Industries

Organizations supporting arts, culture, creative entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation among young people.

5. Digital Technology and Innovation

Projects leveraging digital tools, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship to improve lives and create opportunities for youth.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on several important factors.

Strong applications should demonstrate:

• Youth leadership within the organization.
• Clear organizational goals and objectives.
• Active community engagement.
• Commitment to inclusion and diversity.
• Environmental sustainability.
• Potential for long-term impact.
• Organizational readiness for growth and scaling.

Organizations that clearly demonstrate these qualities will be well positioned during the selection process.

Why This Programme Matters

Many youth-led organizations possess innovative ideas and strong community connections but often face challenges such as limited organizational capacity, inadequate technical support, and restricted access to funding.

The SPARK Change-Makers Project addresses these challenges by investing in organizational development before providing access to financial resources.

Participants gain practical knowledge, professional guidance, and stronger institutional capacity, enabling them to build sustainable organizations that continue delivering impact long after the programme ends.

Important Deadline

Application Deadline: 31 July 2026

Interested organizations should complete and submit their applications before the deadline to be considered for the programme.

Click here for more and to apply

Why You Should Apply

If your organization is committed to creating positive change for young people in Ghana, the SPARK Change-Makers Project offers far more than funding. It provides the skills, mentorship, networks, and institutional support needed to build a stronger, more sustainable organization capable of delivering lasting impact.

Whether you work in gender equality, environmental sustainability, peacebuilding, the creative economy, or digital innovation, this programme can help you strengthen your organization while positioning it for future grant opportunities.

Click here for more global grant opportunities