Apply For European Union (EU) Youth Empowerment Fund 2024 – (Get Up To €5,000 Grant)
The European Union, in collaboration with the Global Youth Mobilization (GYM) and the “Big Six” youth organizations, has introduced an exciting new initiative known as the Open Call for the EU Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF).
This fund is designed to offer financial support to young individuals and youth groups, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to help them implement community projects.
Overview of the EU Youth Empowerment Fund
The EU Youth Empowerment Fund provides grants of €5000 to support community projects led by young people. These grants aim to empower youth by funding innovative solutions that promote positive change within communities and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Objectives
- Empowerment: Inspire young individuals to take initiative and create positive changes within their communities.
- Inclusivity: Focus on projects by or for underrepresented groups, including those facing socio-economic challenges and barriers related to gender or disability.
- Sustainable Development: Support initiatives that address global challenges such as climate change, environmental sustainability, and gender equality.
Benefits
- Micro-Grants: Individuals and informal youth groups have the opportunity to receive financial support through grants ranging from €500 to €1,500.
- Larger Grants: Officially registered youth organizations can receive grants ranging from €3,000 to €5,000.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply?
Young individuals aged 14 to 30 from eligible countries can apply for the fund. The eligible countries are categorized into different regions:
- Africa: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
- Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China (People’s Republic of), India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen.
- Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia.
- Latin America and the Caribbean: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela.
- Middle East: Palestine.
- Oceania: Nauru, Niue, Tokelau, Tuvalu.
Eligible Projects
Projects should address global challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Focus areas include:
- Projects led by underrepresented youth or aimed at benefiting such groups.
- Initiatives addressing climate change and environmental sustainability.
Application Process
How to Apply
- Online Application: Interested applicants can visit the Global Youth Mobilization website to apply. The application process is straightforward, with forms available online and in multiple languages.
- Offline Forms: For those with internet access issues or disabilities, offline forms or other accommodations are available. Applicants can contact EU-YEF@globalyouthmobilization.org for assistance.
Application Timeline
- Opening Date: Applications will be accepted starting June 27.
- Deadline: The last date to apply is July 21, 2024.
Selection Process
The selection process involves a panel of young individuals who review, score, and discuss applications. This panel consists of a diverse group of young people from various parts of the world who have experience in social projects and a deep understanding of the challenges and needs of youth-led initiatives.
Notification and Feedback
- Successful Applicants: Will be notified within two months if their project is selected. The candidates will be required to sign a grant agreement and provide their banking details.
- Unsuccessful Applicants: Will receive recommendations via email on areas for improvement to strengthen future submissions.
Conclusion
The EU Youth Empowerment Fund is a remarkable opportunity for young people to contribute to their communities and address global challenges. By providing financial support and minimizing bureaucratic hurdles, the fund empowers youth to implement impactful projects and drive positive change.
Interested individuals and groups are encouraged to apply before the deadline and make the most of this empowering initiative. For more details, visit the GYM website.