Small Grant Scheme for Youth-Led Organizations and Groups in Timor-Leste

Plan International Timor-Leste, in partnership with Maun Kay Olok, has launched a youth-led small grants initiative providing up to USD 10,000 to youth-led organizations in Timor-Leste. The program supports projects promoting ethical leadership, social norm change, gender equality, and climate action, empowering adolescents and young adults to lead inclusive community initiatives from January to June 2026.

Overview

This initiative focuses on empowering young people aged 15–30 to lead projects that drive positive social and behavioral change in their communities. Selected youth-led organizations will receive funding, coaching, and mentorship to implement six-month projects that address:

• Ethical and visionary youth leadership

• Gender equality and inclusion

• Climate change and environmental sustainability

• Rural economic empowerment and livelihoods

• Digital literacy and innovation for safe participation

Grant Amount and Duration

• Funding of up to USD 10,000 per project

• Project period: January to June 2026

Objectives

The small grants initiative aims to:

• Foster ethical, responsible, and inclusive youth leadership

• Promote behavioral and social norm change in local communities

• Strengthen capacity of youth-led organizations in project management, monitoring, and accountability

• Encourage creative approaches to social engagement, including media, art, theater, sports, and digital storytelling

• Support initiatives that challenge gender stereotypes, patriarchal norms, and encourage civic participation

Eligible Activities

Youth-led projects may include:

• Peer mentoring, youth coaching, and role model campaigns

• Community dialogues with local or traditional authorities

• Creative interventions using arts, media, theater, or digital platforms

• Initiatives promoting gender equality, peace, tolerance, and social inclusion

• Efforts to document and celebrate local youth champions

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be youth-led organizations or groups managed by individuals aged 15–30

• Operate in Timor-Leste and implement projects in Aileu, Ainaro, Manufahi (Turiskai), or Dili Municipality

• Demonstrate interest or capacity to manage a small grant with mentorship

• Show a clear commitment to gender equality, social inclusion, and safeguarding principles

• Engage young people from marginalized or underserved groups

Application Process

• Applicants submit a project proposal outlining objectives, target beneficiaries, activities, expected outcomes, and budget

• Proposals should demonstrate alignment with program objectives, feasibility, and innovative approaches

• Coaching and mentorship will be provided throughout the project duration to support implementation and maximize impact

Tips for Applicants

• Emphasize how your project fosters youth leadership and community engagement

• Include clear plans for monitoring, evaluation, and sustainability

• Demonstrate innovative or creative approaches to address social norms or inclusion

• Highlight past experience or capacity to manage a grant effectively

• Engage diverse youth, particularly from marginalized or underserved groups

Expected Outcomes

• Strengthened youth leadership and capacity within local communities

• Positive behavioral and social norm changes in targeted communities

• Enhanced gender equality, civic engagement, and environmental awareness

• Documented examples of successful youth-led initiatives for replication and learning

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply?
Youth-led organizations or informal groups in Timor-Leste led by individuals aged 15–30.

2. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to USD 10,000 per project.

3. What is the project duration?
Projects run for six months, from January to June 2026.

4. Which geographic areas are eligible for implementation?
Projects must take place in Aileu, Ainaro, Manufahi (Turiskai), or Dili Municipality.

5. Are informal youth groups eligible?
Yes, both formally registered and informal youth-led groups are eligible.

6. What types of activities are supported?
Projects promoting youth leadership, gender equality, social norm change, civic engagement, environmental action, and creative approaches.

7. Is mentorship provided?
Yes, selected organizations will receive coaching and mentorship to ensure effective project implementation.

Conclusion

The Plan International Timor-Leste Youth-Led Small Grants empower young people to lead transformative community initiatives, fostering ethical leadership, inclusion, and social change. By supporting innovative, locally grounded projects, the program nurtures a new generation of youth leaders capable of addressing social, environmental, and civic challenges in Timor-Leste.