Open Call: ActionAid Funding to Empower Women and Youth in Syria

ActionAid is offering grants of approximately GBP 100,000 for six-month projects led by women, youth, and community groups to strengthen resilience, protection, livelihoods, and recovery in conflict- and earthquake-affected areas. Projects focus on women’s leadership, youth and community-led recovery, and advocacy, emphasizing inclusivity, local engagement, and long-term impact.

ActionAid’s funding opportunity supports community-driven initiatives that enhance resilience, protection, and recovery efforts for populations affected by conflict, displacement, and the Syria–Türkiye earthquake. The program prioritizes women, girls, youth, and vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons and female-headed households.

Key Objectives

• Strengthen protection and leadership of women and girls in humanitarian response

• Promote youth- and community-led recovery initiatives

• Support policy, advocacy, and collective influence for affected communities

• Ensure inclusive, sustainable, and participatory approaches to humanitarian recovery

Focus Areas

1. Protection and Leadership of Women and Girls

• Enhance safety, rights, and participation of women and girls

• Support gender-based violence prevention and response

• Implement community-based protection initiatives addressing child protection and safety concerns

• Establish safe spaces and services for women and girls to actively participate in decision-making

• Promote women-led programs, local leadership, and sustainability

2. Youth- and Community-Led Resilience and Recovery

• Engage youth and communities in humanitarian needs and early recovery efforts

• Develop livelihoods and economic empowerment programs

• Implement community recovery actions involving marginalized groups

• Apply “build back better” approaches integrating:

  • Social cohesion

  • Education continuity

  • Infrastructure support

  • Environmental resilience

• Strengthen local capacity to lead recovery, especially in urban and high-returnee regions

3. Policy, Advocacy, and Collective Influence

• Amplify voices of women, girls, and youth affected by conflict and disaster

• Advocate for women’s rights and equitable humanitarian funding

• Promote women and youth leadership in recovery processes

• Participate in coordination and joint advocacy initiatives

• Produce policy, evidence, and learning materials aligned with the 2023–2025 emergency response strategy

Who is Eligible?

• Syrian women-led, youth-led, and community-based organizations

• Local NGOs and grassroots groups with strong community trust

• Preference for registered organizations, but unregistered groups with effective local presence are considered

• Projects must be women- and/or youth-led and community-driven

Funding Details

• Grant size: Approximately GBP 100,000 per project

• Project duration: Six months, starting February – early March 2026

• Use of funds includes:

  • Project activities and community initiatives

  • Staff or volunteer stipends

  • Training and capacity-building

  • Protection, livelihood, or advocacy activities

  • Small equipment and monitoring or learning activities

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility of your organization and project focus

2. Develop a project proposal aligned with the three focus areas

3. Prepare a detailed budget reflecting planned activities and costs

4. Submit the application online or via ActionAid’s official process before the deadline

5. Ensure the proposal demonstrates community participation, local leadership, and measurable outcomes

Tips for a Successful Application

• Emphasize women’s leadership, youth involvement, and community engagement

• Include measurable objectives and impact indicators

• Ensure activities are inclusive and responsive to local needs

• Clearly explain use of funds for activities, stipends, training, and advocacy

• Demonstrate sustainability and potential for long-term impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the grant?

Eligible applicants include Syrian women-led, youth-led, community-based organizations, local NGOs, and grassroots groups with strong trust and presence in affected communities.

2. What types of projects are funded?

Projects that focus on protection and leadership of women and girls, youth- and community-led resilience, recovery efforts, and policy advocacy.

3. How much funding is available?

Grants are approximately GBP 100,000 per project for a six-month period.

4. What activities can the grant fund?

Project activities, staff or volunteer stipends, community training, protection, livelihoods, advocacy, small equipment, and monitoring or learning activities.

5. When do projects start and end?

Projects are expected to run for six months, beginning between February and the first week of March 2026.

6. Can unregistered organizations apply?

Yes, unregistered but effective local groups may apply if they demonstrate strong community trust and impact.

7. How are applications evaluated?

Applications are assessed based on:

• Alignment with focus areas

• Community engagement and participation

• Feasibility and sustainability

• Potential impact on women, girls, and youth

Conclusion

The ActionAid Resilience and Recovery Grants provide a strategic opportunity for women-, youth-, and community-led organizations to lead recovery initiatives in disaster- and conflict-affected areas. By funding inclusive, participatory, and impactful projects, ActionAid ensures that vulnerable communities are empowered to rebuild safer, more resilient, and equitable environments.