Youth Empowerment Fund 2026 – Applications Now Open @Applications Now Open

Overview

The Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF) provides direct financial support to youth-led projects worldwide that contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the community level. It is a partnership between the European Union and Global Youth Mobilization.

Eligibility

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.

Benefits

Funding Opportunities Available:

• €500 – €1,500: For individual applicants or informal groups of young people
• Up to €5,000: For registered youth-led organizations

Additional Support for Awardees:

• Capacity-building workshops
• Access to a global network of youth leaders and experts
• Mentorship and guidance
• Opportunities to collaborate with youth innovators worldwide

Outstanding project teams may also be selected for an Accelerator Programme offering additional funding, advanced training, and mentorship.

How to Apply

Applications are open via the official website. The process has been designed for accessibility, with forms available in multiple languages and options for submitting video links or offline forms. Support is available for applicants with disabilities or internet access challenges.

Deadline

31 March 2026 at 23:59 UTC