In a significant boost for youth-driven innovation and grassroots change, 410 exceptional youth-led projects have been selected for funding in the first cycle of the Youth Empowerment Fund. The initiative, powered by a partnership between the European Union and the Big Six Youth Organizations through the Global Youth Mobilization (GYM), received over 10,400 applications from young changemakers around the world.
This ground-breaking funding initiative provides accessible financial support to young leaders working to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the community level. By combining financial backing with skills development opportunities, the Youth Empowerment Fund empowers young people to drive sustainable change and create opportunities for marginalised and underrepresented communities.
"As Scouts, we know our ideas have the power to transform communities, but we might also lack the funding to turn these ideas into projects. The Youth Empowerment Fund, through the Global Youth Mobilization, is here to overcome that barrier. The 410 selected projects - all decided on by young people - from the first open call demonstrate the diversity of ideas and potential for young people to drive change for the SDGs,” said Flor Cagliero, Youth Representative - SDGs.
Young people and youth groups interested in this funding opportunity can still apply for the second call for applications, which will open in March.
Reflecting GYM’s commitment to youth leadership, the application review process was youth-led and youth-driven. A panel of 166 young people from across the globe, along with GYM’s Youth Board Representatives, dedicated over 3,400 volunteer hours to carefully evaluate applications.
The Youth Empowerment Fund provides micro-grants ranging from EUR 500-1,500 for individuals and informal groups, and up to EUR 5,000 for registered youth-led organisations, supporting diverse projects that tackle global challenges and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among these, climate action (55%), quality education (41%), good health and well-being (40%), gender equality (38%), and reduced inequalities (31%) are the most frequently addressed. The Fund also prioritises empowering underrepresented communities, with 56% of projects aiding climate-affected areas, 36% supporting individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses, and 44% focusing on gender-based barriers. By investing in these initiatives, the Fund enables young people to drive lasting positive change and uplift vulnerable communities.
Here is a snapshot of the projects selected to receive funding in this first cycle:
Children of Indus (Pakistan)
This project aims to produce a short film highlighting the experiences of around 2,000 indigenous people living along the River Indus - one of Pakistan’s most vulnerable communities to climate change (SDG 13). Led by a grassroots climate action network, the film will document their challenges while seeking to hold policymakers and other stakeholders to account for the environmental issues affecting the community.
Sports for All: Empowering Abilities (Mongolia)
This four-month programme aims to reduce inequalities (SDG 10) by empowering around 230 people through building basketball and table tennis skills for individuals with Down syndrome. It will also educate caregiver on the benefits of sport and raise community awareness, fostering greater inclusion and support for individuals with Down syndrome.
Art of Empowerment: Building Community and Sustainability (Guatemala)
This project promotes good health and well-being (SDG 3) by engaging approximately 450 people in workshops, public art exhibitions, and a community mural. By using art as a medium, the initiative explores themes of cultural identity, environmentalism, mental health, and community interconnectedness, fostering dialogue and well-being among youth and the broader community.
Voices and Rights: Legal Empowerment and Combatting Gender-based Violence (Benin)
This project supports women and girls living in the slums of Cotonou, Benin, where gender-based violence is prevalent, and access to rights information and health services is limited. It will train girls and young women on their rights, laws against gender-based violence, and judicial procedures. Additionally, community paralegals will be equipped to identify, support, and refer victims. The project will reach around 520 people, building community awareness and support services in partnership with other local non-governmental organisations.