Call for
Youth Empowerment Fund Network Solutions Cycle 2
About Organisation
The YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) envisions a world where individuals live in harmony with themselves, society, and the environment. Guided by its mission, YMCA works to empower young people and communities to create a just, inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Its holistic approach focuses on nurturing the body, mind, and spirit of every individual. The organization aims to become the leading global youth empowerment movement and a partner of choice, providing young people with opportunities to raise their voices on issues that matter to them.
YMCA’s global strategy, Vision 2030, centers around four key thematic areas: Community Wellbeing, Meaningful Work, Sustainable Planet, and Just World. Through these pillars, the organization works to strengthen grassroots efforts and encourage impactful youth-led initiatives that address the challenges of today’s world. In partnership with several stakeholders, YMCA fosters a supportive ecosystem for youth engagement, leadership, and innovation. By mobilizing resources and amplifying the reach of young voices, YMCA continues to drive systemic change on both local and global scales.
About the Grant
The Network Solutions funding opportunity, part of the EU Youth Empowerment Fund and implemented through Global Youth Mobilization (GYM), is now open. This initiative provides YMCA national movements and their local branches the chance to collaborate with youth or youth groups in addressing community-level challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in the areas of climate change and support for underrepresented communities.
Building on the success of the previous National Projects and Network Solutions Cycle 1, this phase aims to further expand the impact of young people as changemakers. The grant focuses on removing funding barriers for youth-led ideas, enhancing their capacities, and offering mentorship and coaching opportunities.
Funded by a partnership between the European Union and the Big Six youth organizations, this program empowers youth to develop innovative, inclusive solutions that support marginalized groups and contribute to a sustainable future. The projects should be community-rooted and foster meaningful youth participation and leadership, making real, tangible impacts. Special attention will be given to projects that engage young people facing socio-economic, gender-based, or identity-related vulnerabilities.
Who can Apply?
The Network Solutions grant welcomes applications from YMCA National Movements and their affiliated local associations, working in collaboration with youth or youth groups. Projects must be youth-led and focus on addressing local community challenges that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly climate action and inclusion of underrepresented groups.
To be eligible, projects should actively engage young individuals from at-risk or marginalized backgrounds. These may include, but are not limited to:
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Young people from ethnic minorities,
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Young people living with physical or mental health conditions,
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Individuals with HIV/AIDS,
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Survivors of gender-based violence,
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LGBTQIA+ youth and those identifying as non-binary,
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Adolescent parents or those who were married young,
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Out-of-school youth,
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Indigenous youth populations.
Applicants are encouraged, though not required, to include at least one of these groups in their project scope based on the relevance to their local context.
Projects can be national or multi-country. National projects may involve one country, while multi-country collaborations should involve youth organizations from a minimum of three different countries. All projects must prioritize inclusivity, youth leadership, and sustainable community impact.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants must complete and submit the official application form through the designated online platform. A reference copy of the application form is also available for review before submission. Proposals should clearly define the problem, present a solution led by young people, and highlight how the project will include at-risk or underrepresented groups. Ensure all details are accurate and complete before submission.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted no later than 18 May 2025, by 23:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST). Late submissions will not be accepted.
Last Date To Apply
The final date for submission is 18 May 2025. Make sure to submit your application online before the deadline to be considered for the Network Solutions grant opportunity.
Grant Amount
Grants range from EUR 10,000 to EUR 20,000 for national projects. Multi-country collaborative projects involving three or more countries may receive up to EUR 30,000.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
