This funding opportunity is part of the Voices of Change project, which is organised in partnership with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) and the World Scouting (WOSM). The project is funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.
This open call for funding aims to support youth-led initiatives to address Peace and Human Rights Education priorities at the grassroots level. Eligible applicants can request funding to design and lead a Local Action or host a National Dialogue in their local context.
Information regarding each funding opportunity, eligibility criteria, and application process can be found via the following links:
- Local Action: A Local Action is an initiative that aims to create a positive change in your local reality, and to empower communities to address peace and Human Rights Education.
- National Dialogue: National Dialogues are structured, participatory processes that create safe and inclusive spaces for young people to engage in respectful dialogue, share lived experiences, and build mutual understanding across differences.
If selected, further support and information on project delivery will be provided in an onboarding webinar in March 2026.
Who can apply?
For both Local Actions and National Dialogues, you can apply if:
- You are 18 to 30 years old.
- You are a member of a European Scout Region or an ESN organisation.
- You are part of a small team that can help you design and implement a Local Action or a National Dialogue.
- You have interests in topics such as youth peace, dialogue, peace education, conflict resolution, and non-formal education.
- You are endorsed by your National Scout Organization/Association or ESN organisation. Successful applicants will receive funding through their organisations.
- You are a resident of a European country, not limited to EU members.
How can you apply?
To apply for funding, you need to:
- Complete the specific application form, available in the Local Action or National Dialogue annexes. The application must be in English.
- Provide a valid International Commissioner endorsement (for Scouts), uploaded via the application form.
- Complete the Budget & Project Plan Excel (please download, complete, and upload the budget form via the application form).
Selection process
The deadline to submit your application is 28 February 2026. Please check the information sheet for each funding opportunity for details on the application process.
Project applications will be reviewed and selected by ESN and WOSM for their respective members. Results of the selection process will be communicated in March 2026.
Before the receipt of the funding, selected candidates will sign a contract to confirm their commitment to organise their Local Project or National Dialogue.
Language
Project applications and reporting must be completed in English.
If your project is successful, you can run your Local Action in your local languages.
Endorsement
For WOSM applicants, an official endorsement letter from the International Commissioner in your National Scout Organization/Association will be required. Once the endorsement phase is concluded, the participants will be notified. Please be aware that a positive endorsement from the International Commissioner does not guarantee the successful selection of your project.
No endorsement is needed for ESN members.
More information and contact
If you have any questions or require further information about this funding opportunity, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Voices of Change project coordinator, Federica Imperadrice ([email protected]) for World Scouting or Tiago Nunes ([email protected]) for ESN.
