AU-EU Youth Voices Grants 2026: Funding for Youth-Led Initiatives

Young people across Africa and Europe have a chance to turn their ideas into action with the AU-EU Youth Voices Third-Party Funding Mechanism (TPFM) for 2026. This program offers grants from €1,000 to €10,000. It aims to support youth-led organizations and groups in carrying out projects that boost youth involvement, advocacy, accountability, and community engagement.

This funding is part of the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective. This initiative works to create societies in Africa and Europe that are more inclusive and responsive to young people. It encourages young people to identify problems in their communities and provides resources to develop solutions and influence policy discussions. This is a valuable chance for youth-led groups to make a lasting impact and make young voices heard.

About the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab

The AU-EU Youth Voices Lab is a project focused on increasing youth participation in decision-making across Africa and Europe. It recognizes that young people understand their own situations best and should be key players in shaping policies and solutions that affect them. The program aims to build youth leadership, promote their involvement in governance, and give a voice to young people who are often overlooked. It also works to encourage accountability, civic engagement, and cooperation between youth in Africa and Europe, creating ways for youth-led ideas to influence policy. The Third-Party Funding Mechanism is a main tool for achieving these goals.

The Third-Party Funding Mechanism (TPFM) Explained

The TPFM is a grant program specifically for groups and organizations led by young people. These groups work on issues that are important to youth. Instead of telling groups what to do, the TPFM lets them identify local problems and create their own solutions. The funding supports projects that focus on local youth needs, strengthen youth participation, promote youth rights, increase accountability, and encourage policy discussions. Projects funded are expected to help local communities and also contribute to larger discussions at national, regional, continental, and AU-EU levels.

Grant Amounts Available

Youth-led groups can receive funding between €1,000 and €10,000. The amount given will depend on how big the project is, if it can be done, its potential impact, and how relevant it is.

Types of Activities Supported

The program supports many different kinds of activities led by young people that aim to create positive change. These include:

Workshops and Training

Projects that help young people develop skills in leadership, civic participation, advocacy, entrepreneurship, or community engagement.

Youth-Led Research

Research projects that gather information on issues affecting young people and help inform policy discussions.

Advocacy Campaigns

Activities designed to influence decision-makers and promote policies and changes that focus on youth.

Public Events and Dialogues

Community meetings, discussions, and events that bring together young people and other interested parties.

Community Consultations

Projects that collect the views of young people and improve their involvement in decision-making.

Publications and Reports

Creating assessments, policy suggestions, reports, and research findings.

Digital and Printed Awareness Materials

Creating materials like brochures or social media posts to inform, educate, and motivate young people.

Accountability and Participation Initiatives

Projects that improve openness, governance, accountability, and civic involvement.

Priority Themes

The funding mechanism is open to projects that address many youth-related issues. These include youth participation, youth rights, accountability and governance, policy discussions, social inclusion, gender equality, climate action, education, jobs and livelihoods, peacebuilding, civic engagement, community development, and youth empowerment. The program is designed to be flexible so young people can propose solutions that fit their local situations.

Who Can Apply?

This funding opportunity is for groups and organizations led by young people who work with and for individuals aged 15 to 35. Applicants must be based in one of the countries where the program operates.

Eligible Countries in Europe

• Belgium

Eligible Countries in Africa

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

Only applicants working in these countries can apply.

What Makes a Strong Application?

The program looks for youth-led groups that show strong connections to their communities, a clear understanding of local problems, and practical project ideas. They should be committed to youth involvement, use inclusive methods, and plan to carry out projects ethically and safely, with a focus on making a real impact. Applications need to clearly explain the problem being addressed, why it’s important, who will benefit, the planned activities, expected results, and how the budget will be used.

The Selection Process

The AU-EU Youth Voices Third-Party Funding Mechanism has a clear selection process:

Step 1: Call for Proposals

A funding announcement is made, detailing who can apply, what kind of projects are prioritized, what documents are needed, and the deadlines.

Step 2: Application Submission

Youth-led groups submit their project ideas and funding requests.

Step 3: Review Process

Applications are reviewed based on how relevant they are, their potential community impact, if they are achievable, their originality, how well they match the program’s goals, and the group’s ability to manage the project.

Step 4: Additional Verification

Groups that are shortlisted may go through more checks on their management, safety procedures, financial handling, and ability to carry out the project.

Step 5: Grant Agreement

Successful applicants sign an agreement that outlines their responsibilities, reporting needs, budgets, and project timelines.

Step 6: Project Implementation

Selected groups carry out their planned activities in their communities.

Step 7: Ongoing Support

Grantees might receive coaching, technical advice, help with reporting, communication support, and opportunities for learning and reflection.

Step 8: Sharing Results

Grantees document their achievements, lessons learned, and stories of impact.

2026 Funding Cycle Details

The second round of the Third-Party Funding Mechanism started on June 8, 2026. This cycle aims to help youth-led organizations complete projects that improve youth participation, empowerment, and advocacy.

Applicant Support Webinar

To help applicants create strong proposals, an online webinar will be held on June 19, 2026. This webinar will offer guidance on applications, information about the funding, clarifications on eligibility, and time for questions. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend.

Why Apply?

This opportunity offers more than just money. Successful applicants will gain visibility, chances to influence policy discussions, access to AU-EU youth networks, support to build their skills, mentorship, and recognition as youth leaders driving change. For groups dedicated to making a difference for young people, the AU-EU Youth Voices Third-Party Funding Mechanism is a strong way to turn ideas into action.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is June 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM EAT. Applicants should read the Funding Manual carefully before applying and submit their proposals well before the deadline.

How to Apply

Interested youth-led groups should:

1. Read the Funding Manual.
2. Check if they are eligible.
3. Develop a strong project proposal.
4. Complete the Online Application Form.
5. Submit all required information before the deadline.

For questions, applicants can contact: [email protected].

You can learn more about the AU-EU Youth Voices Grants 2026 by clicking HERE.

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