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Youth in Action: Sustainable Development Innovation Grant 2026-2027 (Switzerland)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Youth in Action: Innovative Projects for a Sustainable Economy Grant supports youth-led initiatives in Switzerland that promote sustainable development, innovation, and inclusive economic growth. Eligible organizations can receive up to CHF 20,000 to implement projects designed and led by young people aged 16–26, with a focus on SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

About the Youth in Action: Innovative Projects for a Sustainable Economy Grant

The Youth in Action: Innovative Projects for a Sustainable Economy Grant is part of Switzerland’s Sustainable Development Incentive Programme, which supports innovative initiatives that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the priorities of the Swiss Sustainable Development Strategy 2030.

The 2026–2027 funding call specifically encourages projects that are conceived, led, and implemented by young people. The programme aims to empower youth to develop practical solutions that strengthen regional economies while promoting sustainability, innovation, and responsible resource use.

Projects should generate lasting local benefits and have the potential to be replicated in other Swiss regions or communities.

Focus Areas

Projects should address one or more of the following themes:

Programme Objectives

The grant seeks to:

  • Support youth-led innovation for sustainable economic development.
  • Encourage young people to design and lead impactful community projects.
  • Promote sustainable production and responsible consumption practices.
  • Strengthen regional economic value creation.
  • Foster entrepreneurship and innovative business ideas.
  • Support projects aligned with Switzerland’s Sustainable Development Strategy 2030.
  • Encourage solutions that can be replicated across different Swiss regions.

Priority Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The programme primarily supports projects contributing to:

SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

Projects may include initiatives that:

  • Promote youth employment
  • Encourage entrepreneurship
  • Develop future workforce skills
  • Strengthen local economies
  • Support sustainable business models

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

Projects may focus on:

  • Waste reduction
  • Circular economy solutions
  • Sustainable production methods
  • Responsible consumer behaviour
  • Resource efficiency
  • Environmentally friendly innovations

Funding Information

  • Maximum grant amount: CHF 20,000
  • Funding supports innovative youth-led projects that contribute to sustainable economic development in Switzerland.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include organizations or institutions located in Switzerland, such as:

  • Public entities
  • Municipalities
  • Cantons
  • Associations
  • Foundations
  • Federations
  • Companies
  • Other eligible organizations and institutions

Although applications must be submitted by an eligible organization or institution, the project itself must be designed, managed, and implemented by young people.

Youth Leadership Requirements

Projects must meet the following conditions:

  • Young people must be 16–26 years old.
  • Young people must lead the planning process.
  • Young people must manage project implementation.
  • Young people must take primary responsibility for project leadership.
  • Organizations serve as the formal applicant and administrative support where required.

Who is Not Eligible?

The programme does not support:

  • Individual applicants
  • Projects located outside Switzerland
  • Projects not led by young people
  • Activities that do not contribute to sustainable development objectives

Why This Grant Matters

Young people play a vital role in shaping sustainable economies and creating innovative solutions to future challenges.

This programme helps:

  • Empower youth leadership.
  • Encourage civic participation.
  • Support innovative local solutions.
  • Advance Switzerland’s sustainability goals.
  • Promote long-term environmental and economic resilience.
  • Build stronger regional communities.
  • Create scalable models for sustainable development.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these general steps:

  1. Develop a project idea focused on sustainable economic development.
  2. Ensure the project is led by young people aged 16–26.
  3. Partner with an eligible Swiss organization or institution if necessary.
  4. Prepare a detailed project proposal explaining:
    • Project objectives
    • Expected impact
    • Innovation
    • Sustainability
    • Budget
    • Timeline
  5. Demonstrate how the project contributes to SDG 8 and/or SDG 12.
  6. Explain how the project could be replicated in other Swiss regions.
  7. Submit the application according to the programme guidelines before the deadline.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

To improve the chances of success:

  • Clearly demonstrate youth leadership throughout the project.
  • Show measurable environmental or economic impact.
  • Explain the project’s innovative aspects.
  • Highlight benefits for local communities.
  • Present a realistic implementation plan.
  • Include a well-prepared budget.
  • Demonstrate long-term sustainability beyond the grant period.
  • Describe how the project can be replicated elsewhere.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

  • Submitting projects that are not youth-led.
  • Applying as an individual rather than through an eligible organization.
  • Failing to demonstrate alignment with SDG 8 or SDG 12.
  • Providing vague project objectives.
  • Presenting unrealistic budgets or timelines.
  • Ignoring the programme’s focus on innovation and sustainability.
  • Proposing projects outside Switzerland.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can submit an application?

Applications must be submitted by eligible organizations or institutions located in Switzerland, while the project itself must be led by young people aged 16–26.

What is the maximum grant amount?

Successful projects may receive up to CHF 20,000.

What age group must lead the project?

Projects must be planned, implemented, and led by young people between 16 and 26 years of age.

Which Sustainable Development Goals are prioritized?

The programme mainly supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Can projects be implemented outside Switzerland?

No. Only projects located within Switzerland are eligible.

Are individual applicants eligible?

No. Applications must be submitted through eligible Swiss organizations or institutions.

What types of projects are encouraged?

Projects promoting youth entrepreneurship, sustainable production, responsible consumption, innovation, regional economic development, climate action, biodiversity, and social cohesion are encouraged.

Conclusion

The Youth in Action: Innovative Projects for a Sustainable Economy Grant provides an excellent opportunity for young people in Switzerland to transform innovative sustainability ideas into practical action. By funding youth-led initiatives that promote responsible economic development, entrepreneurship, and sustainable production and consumption, the programme contributes to achieving Switzerland’s Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 while empowering the next generation of leaders to create lasting regional impact.

For more information, visit ARE.