Are you a young change-maker ready to bring your ideas to life? The Youth Action Lab is offering four unique Power Shifting Grants to support youth-led initiatives in Africa and Europe. These grants aim to empower young leaders, enhance collaboration, and create impactful solutions to global challenges.
What Makes These Grants “Power Shifting”?
- Youth-led Decision-Making
Proposals are reviewed and selected by a Youth Advisory Board (YAB) to ensure that decisions are made by youth, for youth. - Capacity Building
Grants are designed to enhance the stability, resilience, financial security, and organizational capacity of youth-led initiatives. - Simplified Processes
Application and reporting requirements are streamlined to accommodate the unique needs of youth organizations.
Grant Types and Focus Areas
The Youth Action Lab offers four distinct grant types, each supporting youth initiatives in a specific area. Grant durations range from 12 to 18 months based on the type.
1. Innovation Grants
Designed to support youth initiatives aiming to design, test, or scale innovative solutions to global challenges. Deadline 19th February 2025
2. Entrepreneurship Grants
Focused on enhancing entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for young people. Grants range from €30,000 to €50,000, and applications can be submitted by individual youth organizations or consortia. Deadline 19th February 2025
3. Representation Grants
Empowering marginalized youth to amplify their voices and advocate for change at grassroots and higher levels. Deadline 19th February 2025
4. Cooperation Grants
Supporting collaborations between African and European youth for joint advocacy initiatives. Deadline 16th March 2025
Who Can Apply?
Eligible countries include:
- Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- Europe: All European Union member states.
Application and Selection Process
As these are truly power-shifting grants, the Youth Advisory Board oversees the selection process. Here’s how it works:
- Eligibility Screening: Applications undergo an initial screening based on hard and soft eligibility criteria.
- Longlisting and Shortlisting: Applicants are grouped by eligible countries to ensure equitable representation.
- Detailed Assessment: The YAB scores and ranks shortlisted applications using a specially designed assessment tool.
- Due Diligence: A thorough review of governance and accounting protocols ensures compliance.
- Final Selection: High-scoring proposals are notified, and selected applicants complete additional documentation for contracting.
- Site Visits: Where applicable, site visits may be conducted to validate governance protocols and review ongoing programs.
What Costs Are Covered?
Grants cover:
- Costs incurred during the project period.
- Expenses listed in the approved project budget.
- Necessary, clear, and justifiable costs aligned with tax and legal requirements.
- Costs ensuring efficient and impactful use of funds.
Refer to the specific funding manuals for detailed guidelines.
Why Apply?
This is your chance to join a program that connects youth across Africa and Europe, amplifies your voice, and equips you to tackle global challenges. Over the next three years, the Youth Action Lab will launch various calls for proposals, inviting diverse youth initiatives to participate.
Are you ready to drive change?
