The Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF) is currently accepting applications from young people and youth-led organizations worldwide. The initiative provides direct financial support to youth-led projects that contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the community level. The fund is a partnership between the European Union and Global Youth Mobilization, an initiative driven by the Big Six Youth Organisations. Applications are open until 31 March 2026 at 23:59 UTC, giving young changemakers an opportunity to secure funding for impactful community projects that address global challenges. Purpose of the Youth Empowerment Fund The Youth Empowerment Fund aims to remove financial barriers that prevent young people from implementing innovative community initiatives. The programme supports youth-driven solutions that tackle local challenges while contributing to global development goals. The fund focuses on empowering young people to: Develop and implement community-led projects Address global issues at the local level Build leadership and project management skills Contribute to sustainable and inclusive development Through this funding opportunity, youth innovators can transform ideas into practical solutions that benefit their communities. Funding Opportunities Available The Youth Empowerment Fund offers financial support through micro-grants tailored to different types of applicants. The funding structure is designed to ensure accessibility for both individuals and youth organizations. Available funding levels include: €500 – €1,500: For individual applicants or informal groups of young people Up to €5,000: For registered youth-led organizations These funds can be used to implement projects that create measurable social, environmental, or economic impact. Priority Focus Areas The Youth Empowerment Fund places special emphasis on projects that support under-represented or vulnerable communities. This includes initiatives that help young people overcome barriers related to social, economic, and environmental challenges. Priority projects include those addressing: Climate change and environmental sustainability Gender-based barriers and inequality Socio-economic marginalization Disability inclusion and accessibility Community resilience and development Projects focused on climate action, sustainability, and environmental protection are particularly encouraged to apply. Who Can Apply The Youth Empowerment Fund is designed to support a wide range of youth-led initiatives across different communities and regions. Eligible applicants include: Young individuals aged 14–30 years Informal groups of young people Registered youth-led organizations Applicants must propose projects that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and demonstrate clear benefits for their communities. Types of Eligible Projects Projects funded by the Youth Empowerment Fund must address social or environmental challenges aligned with global development priorities. Examples of eligible project themes include: Climate change mitigation and environmental protection Access to education and youth empowerment Public health and community well-being Gender equality and social inclusion Skills development and employment opportunities Sustainable agriculture and food security Projects should demonstrate practical implementation strategies and measurable community impact. Additional Support for Awardees Beyond financial support, successful applicants will also gain access to additional opportunities designed to strengthen their projects and leadership skills. Programme benefits include: Capacity-building workshops to support project implementation Access to a global network of youth leaders and experts Mentorship and guidance throughout the project lifecycle Opportunities to collaborate with youth innovators worldwide These resources help ensure that funded projects are sustainable, impactful, and scalable. Accelerator Programme Opportunities Outstanding project teams may also be selected for participation in a special Accelerator Programme organized by Global Youth Mobilization. This programme offers: Additional funding opportunities Advanced training and mentorship Access to global youth leadership networks Expert guidance to scale successful projects Participation in the accelerator can significantly expand the reach and impact of youth-led initiatives. Youth-Led Review Process A unique feature of the Youth Empowerment Fund is its youth-led evaluation model. Applications are reviewed by a diverse panel of young leaders from around the world. The review process involves: Evaluation by experienced Youth Panellists Representation from the Global Youth Mobilization Youth Board Assessment of project impact, feasibility, and alignment with SDGs This model ensures that youth voices remain central in decision-making and project selection. Accessible Application Process The application process has been designed to ensure accessibility for young people from diverse backgrounds. Key accessibility features include: Application forms available in Arabic, English, French, and Spanish Simple and user-friendly online forms Ability to submit video links (e.g., YouTube, Google Drive, Dropbox) as supporting materials Availability of offline application forms for applicants with internet access challenges Additional accommodations for applicants with disabilities Applicants requiring assistance can contact the programme team directly for support. Application Deadline Applicants must ensure that their submissions are completed before the official closing date. Important details include: Application Deadline: 31 March 2026 Submission Time: 23:59 UTC Programme: Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF) Early application is recommended to allow sufficient time for completing all required sections. Empowering Youth-Led Change Through the Youth Empowerment Fund, the European Union and Global Youth Mobilization aim to empower young leaders to drive meaningful change in their communities. By supporting youth-led innovation and grassroots solutions, the programme contributes to building resilient communities and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Young leaders with creative solutions and a passion for community impact are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this global opportunity. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the funding. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.