Deadline: 15-Feb-2026
The GTY Youth Support Grant provides up to $5,000 to support initiatives that help young people formerly associated with non-state armed groups reintegrate into society and become agents of peace. Open worldwide to individuals and organizations, the grant prioritizes grassroots, community-based projects focused on education, reconciliation, and disengagement from armed conflict.
The Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants (GTY) Youth Support Grant is a small-grants funding opportunity designed to empower young people associated with non-state armed groups (YANSAG).
The grant supports initiatives that help young former combatants disengage from violence, reintegrate into their communities, and contribute to sustainable peace and conflict resolution at the local level.
Program Overview
The GTY Youth Support Grant addresses a critical and often underfunded area of peacebuilding: the transition of young people out of armed conflict and into constructive civilian roles.
By funding education, skills development, and reconciliation-focused initiatives, the grant aims to break cycles of violence and strengthen community acceptance, resilience, and long-term peace.
Core Objectives of the Grant
The GTY Youth Support Grant aims to:
- Support the reintegration of young former combatants into civilian life
- Encourage disengagement from non-state armed groups
- Promote community-based reconciliation and social cohesion
- Reduce stigma, bias, and exclusion faced by YANSAG
- Enable young people to become agents of peace in their communities
- Contribute to sustainable, locally driven conflict resolution
Key Focus Areas
Funded projects must align with one or more of the following focus areas:
Education and Skills Development
- Providing formal or non-formal education opportunities
- Offering vocational training or employable skills
- Supporting life skills and leadership development for youth
Community-Based Reconciliation
- Initiatives that foster dialogue and trust within communities
- Activities that reduce bias and stigma against former combatants
- Programs that promote acceptance and social reintegration
Disengagement and Peacebuilding
- Supporting safe disengagement from non-state armed groups
- Encouraging participation in peacebuilding and civic initiatives
- Promoting non-violent pathways for youth affected by conflict
Funding Amount and Scope
- Maximum grant amount: Up to $5,000 per project
- Project size: Small, medium, or pilot initiatives are welcome
- Geographic scope: Global
All projects are considered regardless of size, provided they clearly align with GTY’s mission and peacebuilding objectives.
Who Is Eligible?
The grant is intentionally inclusive and open to a wide range of applicants worldwide.
Eligible applicants include:
- Individuals working with or supporting YANSAG
- Young people formerly associated with non-state armed groups
- Grassroots and community-based organizations
- Local peacebuilding initiatives and informal groups
- Civil society organizations working on youth, peace, and reintegration
Preference is given to grassroots initiatives over large or well-resourced organizations.
Language and Accessibility
Applications are accepted in multiple languages, including:
- English
- French
- Spanish
- Arabic
Language is treated as a tool for communication, not a barrier.
The primary evaluation focus is on the quality of ideas, commitment to peace, and relevance to YANSAG, rather than linguistic perfection.
Why This Grant Matters
Young people affected by armed conflict are often excluded from recovery and peacebuilding processes.
The GTY Youth Support Grant matters because it:
- Addresses a neglected gap in conflict resolution funding
- Centers youth leadership and lived experience
- Supports locally grounded and culturally relevant solutions
- Helps transform former combatants into contributors to peace
- Strengthens long-term social cohesion and stability
How to Apply
To apply for the GTY Youth Support Grant, applicants must follow these steps:
- Register with the GTY Partnership
- Confirm eligibility as an individual or organization supporting YANSAG
- Develop a clear project proposal aligned with GTY’s focus areas
- Demonstrate how the initiative supports reintegration, reconciliation, or disengagement
- Submit the application in an accepted language through GTY’s process
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Proposing activities not directly linked to YANSAG reintegration or peacebuilding
- Submitting vague project ideas without clear outcomes
- Overlooking community involvement or acceptance strategies
- Focusing only on short-term activities without sustainability considerations
- Applying without registering with the GTY Partnership
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the GTY Youth Support Grant?
It is a small-grants program that funds initiatives supporting young people formerly associated with non-state armed groups to reintegrate and promote peace.
Who can apply for the grant?
Individuals and organizations worldwide, including former combatants and grassroots groups working with YANSAG.
How much funding is available?
Up to $5,000 per project.
Are small or pilot projects eligible?
Yes. Projects of all sizes are considered if they align with GTY’s mission.
In which languages can applications be submitted?
Applications are accepted in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic.
Is prior experience required?
Relevant experience is beneficial, but strong commitment, community engagement, and clear ideas are prioritized.
Do applicants need to be registered before applying?
Yes. Prior registration with the GTY Partnership is required before submitting a proposal.
Conclusion
The GTY Youth Support Grant offers a rare and accessible funding opportunity for individuals and organizations working at the frontlines of peacebuilding.
By empowering young people affected by armed conflict to reintegrate, build skills, and lead reconciliation efforts, the grant supports lasting peace, social healing, and youth-driven transformation in conflict-affected communities worldwide.
For more information, visit GTY.