Deadline: 31-Dec-2025

The UN Decade Youth Task Force Microgrant Programme 2026 funds youth-led ecosystem restoration projects with clear ecological benefits and measurable outcomes. Ten micro-grants of up to USD 1,000 will support registered youth-led organizations implementing nature-based, community-driven restoration across global ecosystems. The program prioritizes innovation, scalability, Indigenous knowledge, and alignment with UN Decade goals: preventing loss, halting degradation, and restoring damaged ecosystems.

UN Decade Youth Task Force Microgrant Programme 2026

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Youth Task Force invites applications for the 2026 Microgrant Programme, supporting youth-led restoration initiatives that deliver measurable environmental improvements and community impact.

What This Microgrant Supports

Eligible projects must produce ecological gains and community participation using nature-based, evidence-driven restoration methods. Supported restoration benefits include:

• Increased vegetation cover

• Improved soil health

• Biodiversity enhancement

• Better water quality

• Stronger climate resilience

• Community stewardship and youth engagement

Projects must align with at least one of the UN Decade’s core goals:

• Prevent ecosystem loss

• Halt ecosystem degradation

• Reverse ecosystem damage through restoration

Why It Matters

This microgrant reinforces the UN Decade’s global mission by:

• Empowering young leaders (under 35) to drive ecological restoration

• Supporting community-based, culturally grounded restoration actions

• Encouraging ecological integrity, sustainability, and Indigenous knowledge

• Promoting scalable, low-cost models that blend traditional and modern practices

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• Legally registered organizations

• Led by individuals below 35 years of age

• Working on at least one ecosystem category defined under the UN Decade

• Able to demonstrate capacity for ecological, evidence-based restoration

Funding Distribution

• 10 micro-grants, each up to USD 1,000

• 80% reserved for Global South organizations

• 20% allocated to Global North

Important Restrictions

The programme does not fund:

• Conferences, meetings, or workshops

• Salaries, stipends, or honoraria

• Scholarships or tuition fees

• Equipment not directly tied to restoration

• Activities that violate environmental or UN ethical standards

Key Concepts Explained

SMART Objectives

Projects must define:

• Specific outcomes

• Measurable indicators

• Achievable actions

• Relevant ecosystem goals

• Time-bound milestones

Nature-Based Solutions

Applicants should use:

• Native species

• Low-cost, ecological interventions

• Biodiversity-friendly techniques

• Local and traditional knowledge systems

Community Engagement

Restoration must involve:

• Youth participation

• Local community collaboration

• Indigenous stewardship where applicable

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Applicants must complete all required components before the deadline. Incomplete applications are automatically rejected.

1. Complete the Online Application Form

Provide accurate organizational, project, and leadership details.

2. Prepare Required Documents

Submit the following:

• Project implementation plan

• Project summary

• Objectives (using SMART format)

• Evidence-based methodology

• Expected ecological and social outcomes

• Detailed timeline

• Sustainability strategy

• Itemized budget

• Full project proposal

• Legal proof of organizational registration

3. Ensure Compliance

Confirm the project:

• Uses native species

• Follows nature-based methodologies

• Includes simple monitoring indicators

• Respects Indigenous/local knowledge

• Avoids banned cost categories

4. Submit Before the Deadline

The application system closes 31 December 2025. Late submissions are not accepted.

5. Await Screening Results

Shortlisted organizations will receive feedback by mid-January 2026.

6. Implement Upon Approval

The grant implementation period runs February–July 2026.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete or late applications

• Not demonstrating ecological impact or SMART indicators

• Proposing high-cost, non-scalable interventions

• Using non-native or invasive species

• Budgeting for ineligible expenses

• Weak sustainability or monitoring plans

• Failing to show youth leadership (under 35 requirement)

FAQ: UN Decade Youth Microgrant 2026

1. Who can apply for the microgrant?

Legally registered youth-led organizations (leaders under 35) working on ecosystem restoration.

2. What ecosystems qualify?

Any ecosystem category defined under the UN Decade, including forests, wetlands, grasslands, marine ecosystems, farmlands, drylands, mountains, and more.

3. How much funding is available?

Up to USD 1,000 per project; ten micro-grants will be awarded.

4. Can individuals apply?

No. Only registered organizations are eligible.

5. What methodologies must be used?

Nature-based, evidence-based, inclusive, and culturally respectful restoration methods using native species.

6. Are salaries or conferences allowed in the budget?

No. Salaries, stipends, workshops, equipment not related to restoration, scholarships, and tuition fees are prohibited.

7. When is the project period?

Projects run from February to July 2026.

Conclusion

The 2026 UN Decade Youth Task Force Microgrant Programme empowers young environmental leaders to restore ecosystems through innovative, low-cost, and community-driven solutions. By funding measurable, nature-based projects and prioritizing the Global South, this initiative strengthens youth leadership, ecological resilience, and the global mission to prevent, halt, and reverse ecosystem degradation.

For more information, visit UN Decade Youth Task Force.