Deadline: December 8, 2025
The Comic Relief Youth Advisory Council Juntanza Fund is a youth-led grant-making initiative established by Comic Relief US to empower young changemakers driving social transformation within their communities. The Fund is designed to provide financial and technical support for innovative youth-led programs, campaigns, and organizations that focus on social change and community development.
The name “Juntanza” originates from an Afro-descendant expression in Colombia, meaning collective action and working together — symbolizing unity, solidarity, and collaboration among youth striving for a just and equitable society.
Purpose and Focus Areas
The Juntanza Fund supports projects that are designed and led by young people committed to driving social impact through creativity, technology, advocacy, and community action. For the 2026 cycle, the Fund focuses on three thematic areas:
1. Health and Well-being
This area covers initiatives that promote the mental, physical, and emotional health of young people and their communities. Eligible projects may address:
- Access to quality healthcare services
- Mental health awareness and support
- Sexual and reproductive health and rights
- Disability inclusion and stigma reduction
- Youth-friendly health systems and mental health literacy
2. Technology, Art, and Narrative Change
This theme targets creative and digital initiatives that promote social change and equity. Projects under this category may include:
- Digital inclusion and access
- Media representation and storytelling
- Combating misinformation and hate speech
- Promoting inclusive, diverse, and youth-centered narratives
- Using art, film, and multimedia to inspire positive change
3. Climate and Sustainability
This focus area supports environmental and climate-action initiatives led by youth. Eligible activities may include:
- Climate resilience and community adaptation projects
- Environmental conservation and education
- Sustainable livelihood creation
- Campaigns addressing local environmental challenges
The Fund welcomes diverse forms of youth activism, including community service, advocacy, creative storytelling, and social entrepreneurship.
Grant Details
Successful applicants will receive grants ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 10,000 for projects implemented over a one-year period. The funding supports initiatives that demonstrate clear youth leadership, innovation, and measurable community impact.
The Comic Relief Youth Advisory Council Juntanza Fund prioritizes projects that amplify the voices of young people from marginalized or low-income backgrounds, ensuring that the funding reaches communities that need it most.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Juntanza Fund, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- The applying organization must be youth-led, with at least 50% of its leadership or board members under 25 years of age.
- Project teams must include at least three young people aged 18–25 who actively participate in the design and implementation of the initiative.
- The organization must be a registered nonprofit, NGO, or community-based entity with a bank account capable of receiving international funds (or work with a fiscal sponsor that meets this requirement).
- Applicants must provide a clear project budget outlining income and expenditures.
- The organization should demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, equity, and diversity.
- Projects must primarily target youth from low-income backgrounds or vulnerable communities within the applicant’s country.
Eligible countries include those in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and North America — including Nigeria.
Application Timeline
- Application Opens: December 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: December 8, 2025
- Funding Notification: Mid-December 2025
- Project Implementation Period: January – December 2026
Selection and Evaluation
Applications will be reviewed by the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), which consists of young leaders from across the globe. Evaluation will be based on:
- Innovation and creativity of the project idea
- Feasibility and sustainability of implementation
- Inclusivity and diversity of the target beneficiaries
- Alignment with one or more of the Fund’s thematic focus areas
- Potential for measurable community impact
Selected grantees will be announced in December 2025, with projects expected to begin early 2026.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Comic Relief Youth Advisory Council Juntanza Fund offers a transformative platform for young changemakers to bring their ideas to life. By funding youth-led projects in health, technology, art, and climate action, the Fund nurtures innovation, leadership, and collaboration among the next generation of social entrepreneurs.
This initiative not only provides financial support but also builds a global network of empowered youth committed to equity, creativity, and sustainable development.
How to Apply
Interested youth-led organizations and groups are encouraged to prepare their proposals, ensuring alignment with the Fund’s key themes and eligibility requirements. Applicants should provide detailed project plans, budgets, and demonstrate the participation of young leaders throughout the process.
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
