Youth Empowerment Fund: Up to €5000 Micro-Grants for SDG Projects – Apply by March 31, 2026

Application Deadline: 31 March 2026, 2359 hours UTC.

Applications are now open for the Global Youth Mobilization (GYM) Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF). This fund offers young changemakers up to 5000 EUR in micro-grants for projects that support the Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs. It targets people aged 14 to 30 from eligible countries. You can read more about this chance to fund youth-led work at the local level.

Key Takeaways

• The YEF provides micro-grants from 500 to 5000 EUR for youth-led projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
• It targets young people aged 14-30 from eligible countries, with a focus on under-represented groups facing poverty, gender barriers, disabilities, or climate impacts.
• Benefits include cash grants, workshops, expert networks, and access to the Accelerator Program for top projects.
• Applications are open until March 31, 2026; visit the official page to check eligibility and submit your project plan.

The Youth Empowerment Fund, or YEF, comes from a partnership between the European Union and Global Youth Mobilization, known as GYM. GYM is an initiative of the Big Six Youth Organisations. The fund gives direct money to youth-led projects that put the Sustainable Development Goals into action close to home.

Core Mission: Reach young people from under-represented backgrounds who face issues like poverty, gender barriers, disabilities, exclusion, or climate change effects. Many projects help these youth and their communities build strength.

The YEF puts special attention on groups that need more support. This makes it a strong tool for real change.

Young people aged 14 to 30 can apply if they live in eligible countries. Check the full list in that PDF to see if your country qualifies. Here are the main application requirements:

• Categories: Young individuals, informal groups of youth, or registered youth-led organizations.
• Eligible Projects: Ideas that tackle big world problems tied to the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Special Focus Areas: Work by or for under-represented youth, such as those hit by climate change, facing gender issues, or living with disabilities or long-term health problems. Also, projects on climate change and keeping the environment healthy.

These points make it easy to check if your idea fits.

The benefits go beyond just cash. They help projects grow and last.

• Micro-grants of 500 to 1500 EUR for single people or informal youth groups.
• Up to 5000 EUR for registered youth-led organizations.
• Capacity building like workshops, links to a network of youth experts, and advice on running the project.
• A spot in the Accelerator Program for top teams to grow their work bigger.

This support turns good ideas into strong results.

To apply, follow these steps right away:

1. Go to the official GYM YEF page for full details.
2. Check eligibility rules and the PDF for your country.
3. Write a project plan that matches the SDGs.
4. Send your application before the deadline on 31 March 2026.

These steps guide you to success. Act fast to meet the cutoff.

Global Youth Mobilization plays a key role in connecting youth worldwide. Look at past calls like the PwC Tanzania program or UBA essay contest for more ideas on youth chances. Head to the official webpage for all Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF) info, including micro-grants and SDGs focus. Share this with friends who qualify.

The Youth Empowerment Fund offers young people aged 14 to 30 a chance to fund projects that tackle Sustainable Development Goals and support under-represented communities. With micro-grants up to 5000 EUR, capacity building, and networking, it turns ideas into real change. Check eligibility and apply today before the March 31, 2026 deadline at the official GYM YEF page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Youth Empowerment Fund?

Young people aged 14 to 30 from eligible countries, including individuals, informal youth groups, or registered youth-led organizations.

What grant amounts are available?

Micro-grants range from 500 to 1500 EUR for individuals or informal groups, and up to 5000 EUR for registered youth-led organizations.

What kinds of projects qualify?

Projects that address Sustainable Development Goals, especially those supporting under-represented youth affected by climate change, gender issues, disabilities, or exclusion.

How do I apply before the deadline?

Visit the official GYM YEF page, check eligibility and your country’s list, prepare a project plan tied to SDGs, and submit by March 31, 2026, 2359 UTC.