Deadline: March 31, 2026
Young people around the world are driving meaningful change in their communities. To support this momentum, the Global Youth Mobilization has launched the Youth-Led Solutions Open Call (Youth Empowerment Fund), a funding opportunity designed to empower young innovators working to address community challenges.
The Youth-Led Solutions Open Call (Youth Empowerment Fund) provides financial support, training, and mentorship to youth-led initiatives that tackle pressing social, environmental, and economic issues while contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This opportunity offers young leaders the chance to implement projects that make measurable impact while connecting with a global network of changemakers.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the Youth-Led Solutions Open Call (Youth Empowerment Fund), including eligibility requirements, priority focus areas, available support, and how to apply.
What is the Youth-Led Solutions Open Call (Youth Empowerment Fund)?
The Youth-Led Solutions Open Call (Youth Empowerment Fund) is a global funding programme that supports youth-driven solutions addressing community challenges.
The initiative forms part of the work of Global Youth Mobilization, a partnership involving leading international youth organisations working together to empower young people across the world.
The fund provides direct financial support to youth-led projects, enabling young people to design, implement, and scale innovative solutions within their communities.
Through this programme, young changemakers receive not only financial backing but also the mentorship, training, and networks needed to successfully deliver their projects.
By investing in youth-driven solutions, the programme contributes to global progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to tackle global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.
Application Deadline
Applicants interested in the Youth-Led Solutions Open Call (Youth Empowerment Fund) must submit their applications before the official deadline.
Deadline:
31 March 2026
23:59 UTC
Late applications will not be considered, so applicants are strongly encouraged to begin their submissions early to avoid last-minute issues.
Who Can Apply
The Youth-Led Solutions Open Call (Youth Empowerment Fund) is specifically designed for young individuals and youth-led groups working to create positive change.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Age Requirement
Applicants must be between 14 and 30 years old, meaning they should be born between 1996 and 2012.
Country Eligibility
Applicants must reside in countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA). Many developing countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other regions are included in this category.
Eligible Applicants
Applications may be submitted by:
- Individual young people
- Informal youth groups consisting of two or more young people
- Registered youth-led organisations
Applicants should note that only one project proposal can be submitted per applicant or group.
Types of Projects Supported
The Youth-Led Solutions Open Call (Youth Empowerment Fund) supports projects that address real community challenges while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Successful proposals usually present practical and innovative solutions designed and implemented by young people.
Projects may focus on a wide range of development areas, including:
- Climate action and environmental protection
- Access to quality education
- Gender equality and women’s empowerment
- Youth empowerment initiatives
- Community health and wellbeing
- Reducing inequalities and promoting inclusion
- Sustainable community development
The most competitive applications clearly demonstrate how the proposed project will create measurable impact within the community.
Priority Focus Areas
While the programme supports diverse project ideas, the Youth-Led Solutions Open Call (Youth Empowerment Fund) gives particular priority to initiatives that address critical social issues.
Projects are especially encouraged if they:
Support Vulnerable or Marginalised Groups
Initiatives that support underrepresented populations, including marginalised communities, people with disabilities, and disadvantaged youth, are strongly encouraged.
Address Climate and Environmental Challenges
Climate change and environmental protection remain key global priorities. Projects focusing on sustainability, conservation, waste management, or climate awareness may receive special attention.
Promote Social and Economic Inclusion
Projects aimed at reducing inequalities and improving opportunities for underserved communities are highly valued.
Advance Youth Participation
Proposals that strengthen youth leadership, civic engagement, and participation in community development are aligned with the goals of the programme.
Funding and Support Available
Selected applicants under the Youth-Led Solutions Open Call (Youth Empowerment Fund) receive several forms of support designed to help them successfully implement their projects.
Direct Project Funding
Successful youth-led initiatives receive financial support to implement their proposed projects within their communities.
The funding enables young changemakers to transform their ideas into real-world solutions.
Capacity Building and Training
Participants gain access to training workshops and capacity-building opportunities that enhance their project management, leadership, and implementation skills.
Mentorship and Expert Guidance
The programme also connects participants with experienced mentors who provide guidance throughout the implementation process.
Global Youth Network
Participants become part of a global community of youth leaders, offering opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and partnerships with young changemakers from around the world.
Accelerator Programme for Top Projects
Some of the most outstanding initiatives funded through the Youth-Led Solutions Open Call (Youth Empowerment Fund) may be invited to join an Accelerator Programme.
This advanced support programme provides:
- Additional funding opportunities
- Expert mentorship from global professionals
- Intensive training programmes
- Opportunities to scale successful solutions globally
The Accelerator Programme aims to help the most promising projects expand their impact beyond their local communities.
Application Review Process
Applications submitted to the Youth-Led Solutions Open Call (Youth Empowerment Fund) undergo a comprehensive evaluation process.
Proposals are reviewed by more than 180 youth panellists from across the world.
Each application is assessed based on several important criteria, including:
- Relevance of the project to community challenges
- Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals
- Feasibility of the proposed solution
- Potential for measurable impact
- Level of youth leadership and involvement
This youth-driven evaluation process ensures that projects are assessed from the perspective of young changemakers.
When Will Applicants Receive Results?
Due to the global scale of the programme and the large number of applications received, the evaluation process may take time.
Applicants can typically expect to receive feedback or final results within approximately nine months after the application deadline.
Application Accessibility
The Youth-Led Solutions Open Call (Youth Empowerment Fund) is designed to be accessible to young people from diverse backgrounds.
To make the process inclusive, the application platform offers several accessibility features:
Multiple Language Options
Applications can be submitted in:
- English
- Arabic
- French
- Spanish
Multimedia Application Support
Applicants are also allowed to include video links to support their project proposals, which helps young innovators explain their ideas more effectively.
User-Friendly Platform
The application process has been designed to be simple and accessible so that young applicants can complete it without requiring complex technical expertise.
Tips for Submitting a Strong Application
While the Youth-Led Solutions Open Call (Youth Empowerment Fund) welcomes diverse project ideas, successful applications usually include several key elements.
Identify a Clear Community Problem
Start by clearly explaining the issue your community is facing.
Provide a Practical Solution
Your project idea should provide a realistic and achievable solution to the identified problem.
Demonstrate Measurable Impact
Explain how your project will create positive change and how the results can be measured.
Show Youth Leadership
The project must be clearly youth-led, demonstrating that young people are actively involved in planning, decision-making, and implementation.
Final Thoughts
The Youth-Led Solutions Open Call (Youth Empowerment Fund) represents an excellent opportunity for young leaders to bring their ideas to life while addressing real challenges within their communities.
Through financial support, mentorship, training, and access to global networks, the programme empowers youth to become active contributors to sustainable development and social change.
If you are a young changemaker with a vision to create meaningful impact, this initiative offers the resources and support needed to turn your idea into a successful project.
Need Help Preparing Your Application?
Preparing a strong proposal can significantly increase your chances of being selected.
If you require professional assistance with proposal drafting, refining, or reviewing your application, you can reach out for support.
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
