AU-EU Youth Voices Grants 2026: Up to €10,000 for Youth-Led Organizations and Groups Across Africa and Europe

Young people across Africa and Europe are being invited to transform their ideas into meaningful action through the AU-EU Youth Voices Third-Party Funding Mechanism (TPFM) 2026. Designed to support youth-led organizations and groups, this funding opportunity provides grants ranging from EUR 1,000 to EUR 10,000 to implement projects that strengthen youth participation, advocacy, accountability, and community engagement.

The funding mechanism is part of the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective, an ambitious initiative working to build more inclusive, youth-responsive societies across Africa and Europe. Through this programme, young people are not only encouraged to identify challenges affecting their communities but are also provided with the resources and support needed to develop practical solutions and influence broader policy discussions.

For youth-led groups seeking funding to implement local projects with regional, continental, or cross-continental significance, this opportunity offers a valuable platform to create sustainable impact while amplifying the voices of young people.

About the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective

The AU-EU Youth Voices Lab is a collaborative initiative that aims to strengthen youth participation in decision-making processes across Africa and Europe.

The programme recognizes that young people are experts in their own realities and should play a central role in shaping policies, programmes, and solutions that affect their lives.

Through funding, advocacy support, capacity building, and dialogue opportunities, the initiative seeks to:

• Strengthen youth leadership.
• Promote youth participation in governance.
• Amplify the voices of marginalized and hard-to-reach young people.
• Encourage accountability and civic engagement.
• Foster cooperation between youth in Africa and Europe.
• Create pathways for youth-led policy influence.

The Third-Party Funding Mechanism serves as one of the key tools for achieving these objectives.

What is the Third-Party Funding Mechanism (TPFM)?

The Third-Party Funding Mechanism is a grant programme designed specifically for youth-led groups and organizations working on issues that matter to young people.

Rather than imposing predetermined solutions, the mechanism empowers youth groups to identify local challenges and develop their own community-driven responses.

The funding supports initiatives that:

• Address local youth priorities.
• Strengthen youth participation.
• Promote youth rights.
• Increase accountability.
• Encourage policy dialogue.
• Support advocacy efforts.
• Build stronger and more inclusive communities.

Importantly, funded projects are expected to contribute not only to local communities but also to broader discussions taking place at national, regional, continental, and AU-EU levels.

Grant Amount

Selected youth-led groups can receive funding ranging from:

• Minimum Grant: EUR 1,000
• Maximum Grant: EUR 10,000

The amount awarded will depend on the scale, feasibility, impact potential, and relevance of the proposed activities.

What Types of Activities Can Be Funded?

The programme supports a wide range of youth-led activities aimed at creating positive change.

Eligible activities include:

1. Workshops and Trainings

Projects that strengthen skills, leadership, civic participation, advocacy, entrepreneurship, or community engagement among young people.

2. Youth-Led Research

Research initiatives that generate evidence on issues affecting youth and contribute to policy discussions.

3. Advocacy Campaigns

Activities designed to influence decision-makers and promote youth-centered policies and reforms.

4. Public Events and Dialogues

Community forums, consultations, discussions, and engagement platforms bringing together youth and stakeholders.

5. Community Consultations

Projects that gather youth perspectives and strengthen community participation in decision-making.

6. Publications and Reports

Development of assessments, policy briefs, reports, and research publications.

7. Digital and Printed Awareness Materials

Communication products designed to inform, educate, and mobilize young people.

8. Accountability and Participation Initiatives

Projects that improve transparency, governance, accountability, and civic engagement.

Priority Themes and Areas of Interest

The funding mechanism welcomes projects addressing a broad range of youth-related issues, including:

• Youth participation
• Youth rights
• Accountability and governance
• Policy dialogue
• Social inclusion
• Gender equality
• Climate justice
• Education
• Employment and livelihoods
• Peacebuilding
• Civic engagement
• Community development
• Youth empowerment

The programme is intentionally flexible to allow young people to propose solutions that reflect their local realities.

Who Can Apply?

The funding opportunity is open to youth-led groups and organizations working with and for young people aged 15–35.

Applicants must be based in one of the programme’s intervention countries.

Eligible Countries

Europe

• Belgium

Africa

• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• South Sudan
• Tanzania
• Tunisia
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Only applicants operating within these countries are eligible to apply.

What Makes a Strong Application?

The programme seeks youth-led groups that demonstrate:

• Strong community connections.
• Clear understanding of local challenges.
• Practical and achievable project ideas.
• Commitment to youth participation.
• Inclusive approaches.
• Ethical and safe project implementation.
• Potential for meaningful impact.

Applications should clearly explain:

• The problem being addressed.
• Why it matters.
• Who will benefit.
• Planned activities.
• Expected outcomes.
• Budget allocation.

How the Selection Process Works

The AU-EU Youth Voices Third-Party Funding Mechanism follows a structured selection process.

Step 1: Call for Proposals

A funding call is launched, outlining eligibility requirements, funding priorities, required documents, and deadlines.

Step 2: Application Submission

Youth-led groups submit their project ideas and funding requests.

Step 3: Review Process

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Relevance.
• Community impact.
• Feasibility.
• Innovation.
• Alignment with programme goals.
• Organizational capacity.

Step 4: Additional Verification

Shortlisted applicants may undergo additional checks regarding governance, safeguarding, financial management, and implementation capacity.

Step 5: Grant Agreement

Successful applicants sign a grant agreement outlining responsibilities, reporting requirements, budgets, and implementation timelines.

Step 6: Project Implementation

Selected groups implement their activities within their communities.

Step 7: Ongoing Support

Grantees may receive:

• Coaching.
• Technical guidance.
• Reporting support.
• Communication assistance.
• Learning and reflection support.

Step 8: Results Sharing

Grantees document outcomes, lessons learned, achievements, and impact stories.

2026 Funding Cycle

The second edition of the Third-Party Funding Mechanism officially opened on 8 June 2026.

This cycle aims to support youth-led organizations in delivering impactful projects that contribute to youth participation, empowerment, and advocacy.

Applicant Support Webinar

To help applicants prepare strong proposals, an online support webinar will be held on:

19 June 2026

The webinar will provide:

• Application guidance.
• Funding information.
• Eligibility clarification.
• Question-and-answer sessions.
• Proposal development tips.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to participate.

Why You Should Apply

This opportunity goes beyond financial support.

Successful applicants gain:

• Funding to implement youth-led ideas.
• Increased visibility.
• Opportunities to influence policy dialogue.
• Access to broader AU-EU youth networks.
• Capacity-building support.
• Mentorship and guidance.
• Opportunities to amplify youth voices.
• Recognition as youth leaders driving change.

For organizations committed to creating meaningful impact for young people, the AU-EU Youth Voices Third-Party Funding Mechanism offers a powerful opportunity to transform ideas into action.

Application Deadline

29 June 2026 at 23:59 EAT

Applicants are encouraged to review the Funding Manual carefully before applying and submit their proposals well before the deadline.

How to Apply

Interested youth-led groups should:

1. Review the Funding Manual.
2. Confirm eligibility.
3. Develop a strong project proposal.
4. Complete the Online Application Form.
5. Submit all required information before the deadline.

For inquiries, applicants can contact:

au-euyvlfund@restlessdevelopment.org

Click HERE to learn more about the AU-EU Youth Voices Grants 2026.