Deadline: 05-Apr-2026
The Inclusion Youth Fund by Restless Development provides flexible grants of INR 1–5 lakhs to youth-led organizations driving community-based change in education, livelihoods, gender rights, democracy, and climate justice. The fund empowers young leaders to mobilize communities, lead research, and implement impactful local solutions.
Programme Overview
The Inclusion Youth Fund, launched by Restless Development, supports youth-led civil society organizations (CSOs) in strengthening youth power and fostering community-driven change. The initiative recognizes youth-led groups as vital grassroots actors capable of designing locally relevant, sustainable solutions.
The fund focuses on four core priority areas:
- Education & Livelihoods – enhancing access to learning and economic opportunities
- Gender & Sexual Rights – promoting equality and sexual health awareness
- Voice & Democracy – encouraging civic engagement and accountability
- Climate Justice – supporting youth-led climate action initiatives
Key approaches include youth training and empowerment, community mobilization, youth-led accountability, and youth-led research to ensure impact and sustainability.
About Restless Development
Restless Development is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying youth leadership. By equipping young leaders with tools, networks, and opportunities, the organization helps them implement meaningful change in their communities. Through this fund, youth-led CSOs are supported as innovators and change-makers at the grassroots level.
Funding Details
- Grant size: INR 1 lakh to 5 lakhs
- Funding type: Flexible small grants for youth-led campaigns or implementation projects
- Purpose: Strengthen collective action, community mobilization, and local impact
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Youth-led civil society organizations actively engaged in community initiatives
- Organizations committed to implementing inclusion modules with at least 50 young participants
- Groups with reliable internet access for communication and reporting
- Applicants willing to participate in onboarding, due diligence, exposure visits, and ongoing learning sessions
Programme Requirements
Participants are expected to:
- Commit to full project participation
- Implement inclusion modules reaching 50+ youth
- Maintain consistent communication using reliable internet
- Attend onboarding training, due diligence, and exposure visits
- Submit mid-term and final project and financial reports on time
- Engage in knowledge-sharing and learning sessions organized by Restless Development
Why the Inclusion Youth Fund Matters
- Supports youth CSOs amid reductions in international aid affecting education, gender equality, climate action, and civic participation
- Encourages community-based, locally led solutions
- Provides resources for experimentation, advocacy, and grassroots mobilization
- Strengthens youth leadership and collective action in diverse communities
How to Apply / How It Works
- Proposal Preparation: Draft a project plan aligned with one of the four priority areas.
- Eligibility Check: Ensure your organization qualifies as youth-led and meets participation requirements.
- Submission: Apply through Restless Development’s official application portal.
- Onboarding & Training: Attend orientation, due diligence, and exposure visits.
- Implementation: Carry out campaigns or community initiatives with youth participation.
- Monitoring & Reporting: Submit timely mid-term and final reports on progress, outcomes, and financials.
- Knowledge Sharing: Participate in learning sessions to exchange insights with other funded organizations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to reach minimum youth participation (50+ young people)
- Inconsistent or unreliable internet communication
- Missing mid-term or final reports
- Lack of participation in onboarding, due diligence, or learning sessions
- Submitting proposals not aligned with the fund’s priority areas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the Inclusion Youth Fund?
Youth-led civil society organizations committed to community-based change across the fund’s priority areas.
2. What is the grant size?
Flexible grants ranging from INR 1 lakh to 5 lakhs.
3. What activities does the fund support?
Campaigns, implementation projects, youth-led research, and community mobilization initiatives.
4. Are there participant requirements?
Yes, organizations must engage at least 50 young people and maintain reliable communication.
5. Are international or non-youth-led organizations eligible?
No, only youth-led organizations are eligible.
6. What reporting is required?
Applicants must submit mid-term and final project and financial reports.
7. Is participation in training mandatory?
Yes, onboarding, due diligence, exposure visits, and learning sessions are required for all funded organizations.
Conclusion
The Inclusion Youth Fund by Restless Development provides critical support to youth-led organizations, empowering young leaders to mobilize communities, drive sustainable change, and respond to pressing social, environmental, and civic challenges. By fostering innovation, accountability, and inclusion, the fund strengthens grassroots youth leadership and builds resilient, impactful community initiatives.
For more information, visit Restless Development.