Call for
Learning Differently 2025
Application Deadline:
31 July 2025
About Organisation
The Orange Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the global telecommunications company Orange Group. Deeply committed to fostering inclusion and equal opportunity, the Foundation supports initiatives that help bridge social divides through digital empowerment, education, and cultural development. With operations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, the Foundation strives to bring transformative change by supporting associations and projects that promote access to digital technology and education for underprivileged communities.
One of the Foundation’s core missions is to support youth who face educational and social challenges, especially school dropouts and job seekers. By enabling innovative learning environments and nurturing transversal skills, the Foundation believes in empowering the next generation to rebuild their confidence, reignite motivation, and unlock their potential. Through its focus on “learning by doing,” the Foundation funds and partners with grassroots organizations that implement real-world, hands-on learning models. This approach fosters creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking — crucial skills for personal development and social reintegration.
By supporting impactful initiatives and building strong partnerships with local actors, the Orange Foundation is helping to create inclusive communities where disadvantaged youth are not only supported but also empowered to contribute meaningfully to society.
About the Grant
The “Learning Differently” Call for Projects by the Orange Foundation aims to support associations working with disadvantaged youth aged 13–25 who are struggling with education, employment, or reintegration. This grant promotes hands-on learning and active pedagogy through collective, project-based approaches, with a strong emphasis on the use of digital tools.
The supported projects must engage young people in meaningful activities that tackle real local issues, allowing them to design and implement practical solutions. These projects should span at least 35 hours and must be conducted in collaboration with organizations, institutions, or communities whose needs are being addressed. A formal partnership with the beneficiary entity is required to ensure project relevance and support.
Grants can be used for materials, coordination, and implementation but not for general operating costs or salaries of permanent staff. Projects should enhance the participants’ transversal skills — collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking — while also fostering motivation, confidence, and social bonding.
Importantly, the projects must raise awareness about responsible digital usage and make use of digital technology such as software, social media, or equipment like 3D printers and FabLabs. The outcome must be a useful, tangible product or solution created by the youth involved.
Who can Apply?
The call is open to non-profit associations and organizations operating in one of the 25 countries where Orange is present across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Eligible applicants include associations that directly support disadvantaged youth, such as second-chance schools, training organizations, and institutions offering social reintegration services.
Organizations that provide educational experiences through makerspaces, FabLabs, or community learning centers can also apply, provided they do so in partnership with associations that support young people. Applicants must be capable of issuing tax receipts for donations.
Projects must be designed for youth between 13 and 25 years of age who are disengaged from traditional educational or work environments. A minimum 35-hour group project must be delivered, incorporating active learning and addressing a local or community need. Applicants are required to establish a formal partnership with an external organization, company, or local authority to validate project goals and support implementation.
Projects must be meaningful, use digital tools, and develop the four key competencies — communication, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. All activities must be free for participants, and the proposed budget must exclude general overhead or permanent salaries. For previously funded associations, a completed project evaluation is mandatory for renewed consideration.
How to Apply?
Eligible associations should prepare a comprehensive application including their official status, current budget, latest auditors’ report, and if applicable, an evaluation report of past Orange Foundation-supported projects. The proposal must detail the project’s objectives, methods, timeline, partner roles, budget use, and expected impact. All documents must align with the grant’s criteria and be submitted before the specified deadline through the appropriate application process.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Learning Differently Call for Projects must be submitted before midnight on 31st July 2025. Early submission is encouraged to allow time for potential clarifications.
Last Date To Apply
The final date to apply for the Orange Foundation’s Learning Differently project support is 31 July 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Grant Amount
The grant provides financial support for project development, youth mentoring, promotion, and necessary materials. The funding does not cover ongoing operational expenses or permanent staff salaries, ensuring activity-focused investment.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
