AU-EU Youth Voices Grants 2026: Youth-Led Groups Can Apply for €1,000–€10,000 to Fund Community Projects Across Africa and Europe

The AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective has officially opened applications for the second edition of its Third-Party Funding Mechanism (TPFM) 2026, offering grants ranging from EUR 1,000 to EUR 10,000 to support youth-led initiatives across Africa and Europe.

This funding opportunity is designed to empower young people to transform innovative ideas into meaningful action by providing financial support, guidance, and visibility for projects that address pressing community challenges while contributing to broader youth advocacy and policy dialogue.

The initiative recognizes that young people are not merely beneficiaries of development programs but essential drivers of social change, innovation, accountability, and sustainable development. Through this grant mechanism, youth-led groups will gain access to resources that enable them to strengthen participation, advocate for community needs, and create lasting impact at local, national, regional, and international levels.

What is the AU-EU Youth Voices Third-Party Funding Mechanism?

The Third-Party Funding Mechanism (TPFM) is a grant facility established under the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective program.

Its purpose is to provide direct financial support to youth-led groups that are implementing initiatives focused on issues affecting young people and their communities.

The mechanism promotes locally driven action while ensuring that local experiences and solutions contribute to broader discussions on youth participation, governance, accountability, inclusion, and sustainable development across Africa and Europe.

The initiative seeks to strengthen youth leadership by enabling young people to design, manage, and implement projects that reflect the realities and priorities of their communities.

Funding Available

Selected youth-led groups can receive grants ranging from:

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

The funding is intended to support practical, community-focused activities that create measurable impact and strengthen youth engagement.

Areas of Support

The AU-EU Youth Voices Lab welcomes a wide variety of youth-led initiatives. Funded activities may include:

Capacity Building and Learning

• Workshops
• Skills development programs
• Leadership trainings
• Community learning initiatives

Research and Evidence Generation

• Youth-led research projects
• Community assessments
• Policy studies
• Needs assessments
• Evidence-based advocacy initiatives

Advocacy and Civic Participation

• Advocacy campaigns
• Policy dialogue initiatives
• Youth engagement activities
• Accountability campaigns
• Community mobilization programs

Events and Public Engagement

• Public forums
• Community dialogues
• Stakeholder consultations
• Conferences
• Awareness campaigns

Communications and Publications

• Reports
• Publications
• Educational materials
• Digital campaigns
• Communication tools

Youth Empowerment Initiatives

• Programs promoting youth participation
• Accountability mechanisms
• Civic engagement projects
• Community development activities

Priority Themes

The funding mechanism supports actions that help young people organize, participate, advocate, and influence change. Eligible projects may focus on:

• Youth participation
• Youth rights
• Accountability
• Community development
• Policy engagement
• Governance
• Gender equality
• Social inclusion
• Climate justice
• Education
• Employment and entrepreneurship
• Peacebuilding
• Youth empowerment
• Community resilience
• Civic engagement

Projects may also address other issues that directly affect young people and their communities.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Many youth-led organizations possess innovative ideas and strong community connections but often face significant funding barriers.

The AU-EU Youth Voices Lab aims to bridge this gap by:

• Supporting grassroots innovation.
• Strengthening youth leadership.
• Promoting meaningful youth participation.
• Encouraging community-driven solutions.
• Amplifying youth voices in policy discussions.
• Building stronger connections between African and European youth initiatives.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for:

• Youth organizations.
• Community youth groups.
• Student-led initiatives.
• Social impact youth collectives.
• Youth advocacy organizations.
• Grassroots development groups.
• Young changemakers working to improve their communities.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong understanding of local challenges.
• Clear project objectives.
• Community engagement experience.
• Commitment to inclusion and ethical practices.
• Capacity to implement proposed activities.

Eligible Countries

The grant program is open to youth-led groups based in the following countries:

Africa

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

Europe

• Belgium

How the Funding Process Works

Step 1: Call for Proposals

A public call invites eligible youth-led groups to submit applications.

Step 2: Submission of Ideas

Applicants present:

• Their project concept.
• Target beneficiaries.
• Expected outcomes.
• Budget plan.

Step 3: Application Review

Applications are assessed based on:

• Relevance.
• Community impact.
• Innovation.
• Feasibility.
• Alignment with program goals.

Step 4: Due Diligence and Verification

Shortlisted organizations may undergo additional verification processes to ensure responsible grant management.

Step 5: Grant Agreement

Successful applicants sign a funding agreement outlining:

• Responsibilities.
• Budget requirements.
• Reporting obligations.
• Visibility guidelines.

Step 6: Project Implementation

Grantees implement approved activities within their communities.

Step 7: Coaching and Support

Selected groups may receive:

• Technical guidance.
• Project implementation support.
• Reporting assistance.
• Learning and communication support.

Step 8: Reporting and Learning

Organizations document:

• Achievements.
• Lessons learned.
• Community impact.
• Contributions to youth empowerment and engagement.

2026 Application Timeline

Applications Open

8 June 2026

Support Webinar

19 June 2026

An online information session will guide applicants through:

• Eligibility requirements.
• Application procedures.
• Budget development.
• Frequently asked questions.

Application Deadline

29 June 2026 at 23:59 (EAT)

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.

How to Apply

Before applying, applicants should carefully review the Funding Manual available in:

• English
• French
• Arabic

The manual contains detailed information regarding:

• Eligibility requirements.
• Selection criteria.
• Funding conditions.
• Reporting obligations.
• Application procedures.

Interested groups can then submit their applications through the official AU-EU Youth Voices Lab Grants Portal.

Apply Here 

Need Assistance?

For questions regarding eligibility, application procedures, or submitted applications, applicants can contact the grants team directly:

Email: au-euyvlfund@restlessdevelopment.org

Final Thoughts

The AU-EU Youth Voices Third-Party Funding Mechanism 2026 presents an exceptional opportunity for youth-led groups to access financial resources, strengthen community impact, and contribute to meaningful social change.

With grants of up to EUR 10,000 available, young leaders across Africa and Europe have a unique chance to transform innovative ideas into sustainable action, strengthen youth participation, and shape policies that affect their communities and future generations.

For more information on this grant, click here.

Discover more grant opportunities on OFY, visit here