The programme seeks to ensure that communities—especially those historically marginalised or excluded—can actively participate in shaping climate action and driving long-term systemic change.

Developed through a coalition of partners including Climate Action Network, WECF, Christian Blind Mission Ireland and ECOLISE, the initiative combines funding, capacity-building and community power to challenge institutions and decision-makers to act with fairness, accountability and climate justice at the forefront.

At the heart of this initiative lies the Youth Climate Changemakers Fund, now recognized as Europe’s largest dedicated fund for youth-led organisations and informal groups working to strengthen and diversify climate activism.

The Fund aims not only to resource existing youth climate actors but also to reach new voices and engage young people who may not traditionally see themselves represented in climate spaces.

Through financial support, mentoring, connections and training, the programme is designed to build bridges between climate justice and other pressing social issues affecting youth.

Funding Fairer Futures Grant Opportunities

The Youth Climate Changemakers Fund provides flexible funding suitable for both structured organisations and emerging grassroots groups:

• Grants up to €1,000 for informal groups
• Grants between €1,000 and €38,000 for youth organisations

Applicants must be based in one of the 27 EU Member States. Both long-established climate actors and newcomers are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Funding Fairer Futures programme particularly welcomes youth groups whose primary focus may not traditionally be climate or environmental issues but who want to explore how climate intersects with social justice, inclusion, health, disability rights, community well-being or other youth priority areas.

Key Focus Areas

Funding Fairer Futures centres its support around four core priorities:

1. Strengthening the Youth Climate Movement

The initiative seeks to build a vibrant, well-resourced and diverse youth climate ecosystem. Funding will reinforce the infrastructure, stability and capacity of youth-led groups by providing:

• Access to financial resources
• Tailored training and coaching
• Networking and partnership-building opportunities
• Opportunities for visibility and influence within broader European climate debates

2. Engaging and Reaching New Audiences

A central objective is to diversify climate leadership. The programme specifically invites applications from youth communities that have not previously been active in climate advocacy, such as:

• Disability organisations
• • Youth groups focused on arts, sports, health or social inclusion
  • Migrant and diaspora-led groups
  • Community-based organisations in rural or underserved regions

  Funding Fairer Futures recognizes that climate action cannot be effective unless it meaningfully includes those most impacted by climate inequalities. Youth who have traditionally been excluded are essential in shaping just and lasting solutions.

  3. Creating a Legacy and Long-Term Impact

  Applicants should demonstrate how funding will contribute to their organisation’s or group’s future resilience and influence. This may include:

  • Establishing long-term programmes or community structures
  • Growing leadership capacity
  • Strengthening internal governance
  • Developing communication, advocacy or organising skills
  • Embedding climate justice into ongoing social or community-based work

  The Fund is designed not only to support short-term activities but to invest in the sustainable growth and visibility of youth climate leadership across Europe.

  4. Joining a Shared Community of Change-Makers

  Funding Fairer Futures places strong emphasis on collaboration and collective action. Selected organisations will become part of a broader community working together across Europe to amplify climate justice narratives and advocate for a fair transition. This includes:

  • Participating in shared learning events
  • Contributing to aligned campaign moments
  • Connecting with the initiative’s coalition partners
  • Supporting joint advocacy for a more equitable climate future

  Applicants are encouraged to explain how their proposed activities align with the values and strategic goals of the wider campaign.

Funding Fairer Futures Amplifying a Just Transition

The programme prioritises projects that can directly contribute to the overarching goals of the Funding Fairer Futures campaign. Actions may include:

• Youth-led advocacy
• Community mobilisation
• Creative storytelling and public engagement
• Policy dialogue and awareness-raising
• Cross-movement collaboration

Applicants are encouraged to show how their work strengthens the push for a just, inclusive and people-centred transition across Europe.

Additional Funding Opportunities

Alongside the Youth Climate Changemakers Fund, partner organisations within the coalition are also launching complementary funding calls, including:

• Climate Action Engagement Fund
• Feminist Climate Action Fund
• Global Connections for Climate Justice Fund