Deadline: 31-Dec-2025
The Youth4Water Grants program is designed to support young people and youth-led organizations across Africa and South Asia in implementing innovative, community-driven initiatives focused on water.
By leveraging the network of the UNCCD Youth Caucus and the resources of Protectol’s Water Initiative, this program enables youth to tackle challenges related to clean water, sanitation, and community resilience while promoting sustainable development.
The program seeks to strengthen youth-led solutions that increase access to safe and clean water, raise awareness about hydration and sanitation, and build the capacity of youth organizations to design and deliver impactful projects. These initiatives also contribute to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation.
Each project can receive grants ranging from USD 2,000 to 2,500, with four projects selected in the pilot round. The program will launch in 2025, with project implementation expected in 2026 and a showcase of outcomes at COP17 in Mongolia. The focus areas include water access, drought resilience, sanitation, and community awareness initiatives.
To be eligible, applicants must be youth-led organizations or groups with the majority of leadership under 35 years old, operating in Africa or South Asia. Projects should focus on water access, sanitation, or awareness, and organizations must be either legally registered or demonstrate strong community recognition through letters of support. Selected projects are expected to implement their activities within one to two months of selection and should foster inclusivity, encouraging participation from marginalized youth, rural communities, and ensuring gender balance.
For more information, visit UNCCD.