The European Union and Global Youth Mobilization have announced the return of the Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF) for 2025, offering an opportunity for young innovators to drive positive change through their projects.

This initiative aims to support youth-led initiatives that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and foster global collaboration.

Powered by a partnership between the European Union and the Big Six Youth Organisations, this call for proposals represents a significant step towards empowering young people as agents of change in line with the EU's Global Gateway strategy which seeks to foster equitable partnerships and sustainable development worldwide and the Youth Action Plan for EU External Action. By investing in youth-led initiatives, the EU and Global Youth Mobilization are fostering a new generation of leaders committed to sustainable development and global cooperation.

Open to young people aged 14 to 30 years old from eligible countries, including Lesotho, the YEF welcomes applications from individuals, informal groups, and registered youth-led organisations. The fund provides not only financial support but also capacity-building resources and global networking opportunities to help young changemakers bring their ideas to fruition. 

Successful applicants will not only receive financial support but also gain access to a global network of like-minded young leaders and mentorship opportunities. This holistic approach aims to equip young people with the skills, resources, and connections needed to amplify their impact on a global scale.

Objectives and focus

A key focus of the fund is to reach young people from under-represented backgrounds, including those facing socio-economic challenges, gender-based barriers, disabilities, or living in communities affected by climate change. By prioritising these groups, the YEF aims to amplify diverse voices and support solutions that address the most pressing issues faced by vulnerable communities.

Successful submissions can unlock project funding, capacity-building opportunities, and access to a global network of young people committed to making a difference.

Eligibility 

Young innovators aged between 14 and 30 years old with bold ideas and a passion for positive change are encouraged to seize this opportunity.

Eligible projects should align with the SDGs and may cover a wide range of areas, including, but not limited to, arts, education, climate action, mental health, digital inclusion, gender equality, and social justice. The fund particularly encourages initiatives that demonstrate innovation, local relevance, and the potential for sustainable impact.

It is important to note that while applicants can be involved in multiple projects, they can only take the lead on one project at a time. This ensures that each initiative receives the necessary attention and maximises its potential for success. Additionally, those who have previously received funding from the YEF are welcome to apply again, provided they propose a different project.

How to apply

The application process is straightforward, with all necessary information and guidelines available on the official website. Aspiring applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria and frequently asked questions before submitting their proposals.

The deadline for submissions is 24th March 2025 at 23:59 CET. Applicants can expect to be informed of the Youth Panel's decision within two months after the application deadline.

For full details on eligibility, application procedures, and to submit your proposal, visit the official YEF website at https://bit.ly/YEFOpenCall

Background

The EU Youth Empowerment Fund is a flagship initiative launched on the first anniversary of the Youth Action Plan for EU External Action (2021 – 2027), the EU’s policy framework for a strategic partnership with young people to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. This initiative was co-designed with young people to provide easier, youth-friendly access to finance.

It is implemented via the  Global Youth Mobilization, a grassroots movement of the Big Six Youth Organisations that invests in and empowers young people to lead solutions to the world's most pressing challenges. Established in 2020, the Global Youth Mobilization is an initiative of the Big Six. From 2020 to 2022, it invested more than $5 million to support 640 youth-led projects, which engaged more than 600,000 young people and reached over 3.6 million people across more than 125 countries.

Despite facing unparalleled challenges and being disproportionately affected by worsening inequalities in society, young people are a powerful force for change. Youth-led and youth co-created initiatives have enormous potential to contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Yet, young people often face barriers in accessing funds and opportunities to scale up successful initiatives.

The Youth Empowerment Fund focuses on youth-led decision-making and solutions related to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals at a local level. Through low-barrier funding accessible for young people at the grassroots level, the Youth Empowerment Fund creates opportunities relevant to the needs and priorities of young people.

Formed in 1996, the Big Six Youth Organisations are an alliance of leading international youth-serving organisations. The Big Six comprises the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), the World Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Associations (World YMCA), the World Alliance of Young Women’s Christian Associations (World YWCA), the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (The Award).