Deadline: August 15, 2025
The UNAOC Youth Solidarity Fund 2025 is now open for applications, offering a unique opportunity for youth-led organisations across eligible countries to receive seed funding of up to USD 25,000. This initiative supports innovative, locally-driven projects that foster intercultural and interfaith dialogue, social inclusion, and peacebuilding.
Organised by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), the 11th edition of the Youth Solidarity Fund (YSF) not only provides financial support, but also delivers capacity-building, mentorship, and global visibility for youth-led organisations working to prevent conflict, extremism, and hate.
About the UNAOC Youth Solidarity Fund 2025
The UNAOC Youth Solidarity Fund 2025 is designed to strengthen youth-led civil society by enabling young leaders to implement impactful projects within their communities. Since its inception in 2008, the fund has supported 80 youth-led projects in 43 countries, impacting over 3.4 million beneficiaries.
This round of the programme offers up to USD 25,000 in seed funding per organisation, alongside structured mentorship and training. It focuses on fostering peace and understanding through youth empowerment and cross-cultural cooperation.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Youth Solidarity Fund 2025, organisations must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- ✅ Be a youth-led NGO (youth between 18–35 years in decision-making roles)
- ✅ Legally registered as a non-profit organisation
- ✅ Operational for at least two years before June 2023
- ✅ Based in a country listed as Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible
- ❌ Not have received prior funding from UNAOC’s YSF or the Intercultural Innovation Hub
Organisations from countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and many others in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe are eligible to apply.
What Types of Projects Will Be Funded?
Projects eligible for funding should align with UNAOC’s strategic priorities and global frameworks. Proposed initiatives must be:
- Locally driven and youth-designed
- Implemented in the country of the applicant NGO
- Focused on at least one of the following areas:
- Intercultural or interfaith dialogue
- Combating hate speech, xenophobia, or religious intolerance
- Preventing violent extremism
- Youth involvement in peacebuilding and conflict resolution
Special consideration is given to projects that align with UN frameworks such as:
- UN Security Council Resolutions on Youth, Peace and Security (2250, 2419, 2535)
- UN Women, Peace and Security framework (Resolution 1325)
- UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech
- UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites
- UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy
Benefits for Successful Applicants
Selected youth-led organisations will receive:
- 💰 Seed funding up to USD 25,000
- 📈 Capacity-building through training and mentorship
- 🌍 Access to UNAOC’s global network
- 📣 International visibility and promotion of their projects
- 🤝 Opportunities for networking and strategic partnerships
Timeline and Deadline
- 📅 Application Deadline: 15 August 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST (New York time)
- 🕒 Project notifications expected between January – March 2026
- 🚀 Funded projects to begin implementation from mid-2026
How to Apply for the UNAOC Youth Solidarity Fund 2025
Organisations interested in applying should:
- Review the application guidelines carefully to confirm eligibility.
- Prepare the required documentation including:
- Project proposal and budget
- Monitoring and evaluation framework
- Organisational chart and governance documents
- Bios/CVs of youth leaders
- Proof of registration and IDs/passports of key youth personnel
- Submit your application via the official UNAOC application portal.
👉 Click here to apply for the UNAOC Youth Solidarity Fund 2025
👉 Click here to read more about the programme
Why Youth-Led NGOs in Nigeria and Other ODA Countries Should Apply
With a strong emphasis on youth leadership, local ownership, and peace promotion, the UNAOC Youth Solidarity Fund 2025 is a powerful platform for organisations in Nigeria and similar contexts. Whether your focus is religious tolerance, community cohesion, anti-extremism education, or cultural dialogue, this funding round supports the kind of grassroots change needed for lasting peace.
Need help preparing your application?
📩 Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining and review.
