Deadline: February 27, 2026
The EMEA Youth Safety and Wellbeing Funding Program 2026 is a regional grant initiative designed to support impactful projects that promote youth safety, wellbeing, and responsible engagement with artificial intelligence (AI) across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). With a total funding pool of €500,000, the programme supports organisations working to ensure that young people benefit from AI in ways that are safe, ethical, inclusive, and evidence‑based.
This funding opportunity prioritises initiatives that strengthen protections for young people, build AI literacy, advance independent research, and develop practical tools that can be used by educators, policymakers, families, and youth‑serving organisations.
Programme Overview
The EMEA Youth Safety and Wellbeing Funding Program 2026 supports projects that address the intersection of youth development and emerging AI technologies. The programme recognises both the opportunities and risks associated with AI and seeks to fund work that enhances positive outcomes for children and young people while reducing potential harms.
Funded projects are expected to generate meaningful, shareable outputs that contribute to safer digital environments and stronger youth wellbeing across the EMEA region.
Key Focus Areas
Projects submitted under the EMEA Youth Safety and Wellbeing Funding Program 2026 should align with one or more of the following focus areas:
Youth Safety and Wellbeing in the Context of AI
- Initiatives that protect young people from digital harms linked to AI systems.
- Prevention‑focused approaches that promote safer online and offline experiences.
- Frameworks or interventions that support healthy development and wellbeing.
AI Literacy and Education
- Educational programmes that help young people understand how AI works and how it affects their lives.
- Training for educators, parents, or caregivers on responsible AI use.
- Resources that improve digital resilience and informed decision‑making.
Independent Research
- Research exploring the impact of AI on adolescents and young people.
- Studies that examine risks, benefits, and long‑term implications of AI use.
- Evidence‑based recommendations to inform safer system design and policy.
Tools, Toolkits, and Evidence‑Based Outputs
- Practical tools, reports, frameworks, or policy briefs.
- Outputs that can be adapted or reused by other organisations.
- Resources that strengthen youth protection and wellbeing at scale.
Funding Details
- Total programme budget: €500,000
- Grant size: Approximately €25,000 to €100,000 per project
- Larger awards: Higher amounts may be considered for strong, multi‑year or collaborative projects
- Eligible costs: Reasonable direct and indirect project expenses aligned with approved activities
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants to the EMEA Youth Safety and Wellbeing Funding Program 2026 must meet the following criteria:
- Be a legally registered organisation based in an EMEA country.
- Eligible organisations include:
- Non‑profits and NGOs
- Research institutions and universities
- Coalitions or partnerships focused on youth, technology, or wellbeing
- Projects must clearly focus on youth safety, wellbeing, AI literacy, or related research.
For‑profit organisations are not prioritised and are unlikely to be competitive unless the proposal demonstrates exceptional alignment and impact.
Application Timeline
- Application opens: 28 January 2026
- Application deadline: 27 February 2026 at 12:00 PM (PST)
- Project start period: Selected projects are expected to begin between Q2 and Q3 2026
Late submissions are not accepted.
Application Requirements
Applicants should be prepared to submit the following information:
- Project title and detailed proposal
- Clear objectives, methodology, and implementation timeline
- Defined outputs and deliverables
- Detailed budget breakdown
- Organisational and team information
- Ethical and data governance considerations, particularly for research involving young people
- Letters of support or partnership confirmations (if applicable)
Why This Funding Matters
The EMEA Youth Safety and Wellbeing Funding Program 2026 plays a critical role in shaping how AI affects young people today and in the future. By supporting research, education, and practical solutions, the programme helps ensure that technological innovation advances youth wellbeing, protects vulnerable populations, and promotes responsible AI development across the EMEA region.
Support for Applicants
If you need professional support with proposal drafting, proposal refining, or proposal review, contact us for tailored assistance to strengthen your application and improve competitiveness.
