Deadline: January 7, 2026
The Empowering Youth: Open Call for Proposals Under AU–EU Youth Action Lab has launched its second cohort, inviting youth-led organisations across Africa and Europe to submit innovative, community-centred, and impact-driven project proposals. This initiative aims to strengthen youth leadership, amplify young people’s voices, and support solutions that address some of today’s most pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges. The call is intentionally designed to be youth-friendly, accessible, and inclusive, ensuring that the Empowering Youth: Open Call for Proposals Under AU–EU Youth Action Lab genuinely shifts power to young changemakers.
About the Opportunity
The AU–EU Youth Action Lab offers financial and technical support to youth-led organisations working on issues such as democracy, social justice, economic empowerment, climate resilience, and digital transformation. Implemented by Oxfam, Restless Development Uganda, and the European Youth Forum, the programme empowers young leaders through flexible funding, capacity-building, and collaborative learning spaces.
This second cohort prioritises youth agency by involving a Youth Advisory Board in the decision-making process and ensuring all grant processes—from application to reporting—are straightforward and accessible.
Eligibility
Organisations must meet the following criteria:
- Be youth-led, with individuals aged 18–35 having clear and significant decision-making power within governance and operations.
- Possess legal registration, a functional bank account, and demonstrable organisational capacity.
- Operate within one of the eligible African countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia (Somaliland), Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- For Cooperation Grants, EU youth-led organisations are also eligible, provided they form a consortium with African partners.
- Social enterprises applying for Entrepreneurship Grants must be at least 12 months old and show evidence of income-generating activities and social/environmental impact.
Grant Categories
1. Innovation Grants (€30,000–€40,000)
Supports youth-led solutions addressing local or global challenges. Ideal for organisations designing, testing, or scaling innovative ideas in areas like digital skills, climate action, democratic participation, and community development.
2. Entrepreneurship Grants (€30,000)
Targets youth-led social enterprises focused on financial sustainability and positive social or environmental impact. Organisations must demonstrate sustainability potential and a clear mission-drive.
3. Representation Grants (€10,000–€20,000)
Designed for grassroots organisations advocating for marginalised youth, advancing policy influence, community mobilisation, and strengthening civic engagement. Up to 20 grants will be awarded.
4. Cooperation Grants (€50,000 per consortium)
Supports joint Africa–Europe youth-led partnerships (2–4 organisations). Activities may include cross-continental research, climate initiatives, social justice projects, and digital transformation work.
Application Requirements
Applicants must:
- Review the Funding Manual (available in English, French, and Portuguese).
- Confirm eligibility for the chosen grant category.
- Download and complete the official budget template.
- Submit a strong project proposal aligned with the grant’s objectives.
- (For Cooperation Grants) Establish a consortium with at least one African and one EU youth-led organisation.
Timeline / Key Dates
- Innovation Grants Deadline: 7 January 2026
- Entrepreneurship Grants Deadline: 7 January 2026
- Representation Grants Deadline: 7 January 2026
- Cooperation Grants Deadline: 12 February 2026
How to Apply
Applicants must prepare their documentation using the official templates and submit through the programme’s application portal. Proposals should demonstrate clarity, feasibility, youth leadership, and measurable community impact.
Selection Process
A Youth Advisory Board will assess applications, ensuring decisions reflect youth leadership principles. Proposals will be evaluated on innovation, relevance, feasibility, impact potential, and alignment with the programme’s empowerment agenda.
Additional Information and Support
The programme offers:
- Webinars:
- November: Innovation & Entrepreneurship guidance
- January–February: Representation & Cooperation guidance
- Language Support: English, French, Portuguese, and possibly ISL
- Matchmaking Workshops for organisations seeking partners (especially for Cooperation Grants)
- Access to the Power to Voices Platform, a youth-led community offering updates, networking, and capacity-building resources.
Host Organisations
The initiative is led by Oxfam, Restless Development Uganda, and the European Youth Forum, working collaboratively to strengthen youth-driven development across Africa and Europe.
Apply and Learn More
- Apply Here: Application Portal – Click to Begin
- Read More About the Programme: Programme Overview
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review.
