Applications open for Spaces for Youth Grants (Round 1)

The Spaces for Youth Grants provide up to €10,000, along with coaching and capacity-building support, to help establish or strengthen youth-focused spaces where young people aged 18–30 can lead initiatives, develop skills, and create positive change in their communities. The programme supports youth-led organizations and initiatives that foster leadership, collaboration, innovation, and community engagement.

About the Spaces for Youth Grants

The Spaces for Youth Grants are designed to empower young people by supporting the creation and development of inclusive spaces where they can learn, collaborate, innovate, and lead community initiatives.

Inspired by the European Spaces of Culture concept developed by EUNIC, these hybrid spaces function as communal and informal gathering places where young people can access support, exchange ideas, build networks, and develop projects that respond to local community needs.

In addition to financial assistance, the programme provides coaching and organizational capacity-building to help youth organizations strengthen their long-term impact and sustainability.

Grant Objectives

The programme aims to:

Establish and strengthen youth-focused community spaces.
Empower young people to take leadership roles.
Promote youth participation and civic engagement.
Support youth-led innovation and collaboration.
Build organizational capacity through coaching and mentoring.
Create safe and inclusive environments for young people.
Encourage community-driven solutions to local challenges.

Focus Areas

The grants support initiatives that strengthen:

Youth-focused spaces.
Youth leadership.
Community engagement.
Innovation and collaboration.
Capacity building.
Skills development.
Youth participation.
Inclusive community spaces.

Preference is given to spaces that are designed, managed, and led by young people.

What Are Spaces for Youth?

Spaces for Youth are community environments created by and for young people where they can:

Develop leadership skills.
Express their ideas and perspectives.
Collaborate on community initiatives.
Access mentoring and support services.
Organize events and activities.
Build networks with peers and partners.
Develop innovative solutions to local challenges.

These spaces may operate as physical, hybrid, or informal community hubs that encourage participation and creativity.

Funding Information

Successful applicants will receive:

Grant Amount: Up to €10,000
Tailored coaching support.
Capacity-building opportunities.
Organizational development assistance.

The programme combines financial support with practical guidance to help youth organizations strengthen their impact.

Who Can Apply?

The grants support youth organizations and youth-led initiatives working to establish or strengthen youth spaces.

Priority is given to initiatives that meet one or more of the following criteria:

Youth-focused spaces where young people aged 18–30 represent less than 75% of the project’s target beneficiaries.
Youth-led spaces where less than 75% of the members of the governing body are between 18 and 30 years of age.
Youth-owned spaces, where the organization is owned by an individual or collective of members aged 18–30.

Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to empowering young people through leadership, participation, and community development.

Benefits of the Programme

Selected organizations will benefit from:

Financial support of up to €10,000.
Professional coaching.
Capacity-building programmes.
Organizational strengthening.
Leadership development opportunities.
Improved community engagement.
Long-term sustainability support.
Networking opportunities.

Why This Grant Matters

Young people often need dedicated spaces where they can collaborate, innovate, and develop solutions to community challenges.

The Spaces for Youth Grants help organizations:

Build youth leadership.
Strengthen youth organizations.
Increase civic participation.
Encourage social innovation.
Promote inclusive community development.
Support sustainable youth initiatives.
Create safe and accessible spaces for young people.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organization or initiative focuses on creating or strengthening youth spaces and supports young people aged 18–30.

Step 2: Develop Your Project

Prepare a proposal explaining:

The purpose of the youth space.
Community needs being addressed.
Planned activities.
Leadership opportunities for young people.
Expected community impact.

Step 3: Demonstrate Youth Participation

Explain how young people will:

Lead the initiative.
Participate in governance.
Design activities.
Make decisions.
Benefit from the project.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Complete the application form and provide all required supporting documents before the application deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Clearly demonstrate youth leadership.
Explain the long-term vision for the space.
Show how the project responds to community needs.
Include realistic objectives and activities.
Highlight sustainability plans.
Demonstrate inclusive participation.
Explain how coaching and capacity building will strengthen the organization.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

Providing an unclear project purpose.
Failing to demonstrate youth participation.
Submitting unrealistic project plans.
Ignoring sustainability beyond the grant period.
Not explaining community impact.
Providing incomplete governance information.
Failing to show how young people will lead decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the Spaces for Youth Grants?

The programme provides up to €10,000, along with coaching and capacity-building support, to establish or strengthen youth-focused spaces where young people aged 18–30 can lead, collaborate, and drive community change.

Who can apply?

The grants support youth organizations and youth-led initiatives working to create or strengthen spaces designed for young people.

How much funding is available?

Successful applicants can receive up to €10,000, in addition to coaching and organizational capacity-building support.

What kinds of projects are supported?

Projects that establish or strengthen youth-focused community spaces, promote youth leadership, encourage collaboration, and support community engagement are eligible.

What additional support is provided?

Beyond funding, selected organizations receive tailored coaching, mentoring, and capacity-building support to strengthen their organizational development and long-term sustainability.

What are Spaces for Youth?

Spaces for Youth are community or hybrid spaces designed by and for young people where they can develop leadership skills, collaborate on projects, access support services, and participate in activities that benefit their communities.

Why is youth leadership important in this programme?

The programme encourages young people to actively participate in decision-making, lead community initiatives, build organizational skills, and create sustainable solutions that address local challenges.

Conclusion

The Spaces for Youth Grants provide an excellent opportunity for youth organizations and community initiatives to establish or strengthen spaces where young people can lead, innovate, and collaborate.

By combining grants of up to €10,000 with coaching and capacity-building support, the programme helps create sustainable youth-led environments that foster leadership, participation, inclusion, and positive community impact.