Deadline: 01-Apr-2026
The European Youth Foundation (EYF) of the Council of Europe is inviting proposals for international long-term youth cooperation projects that promote democracy, human rights, solidarity, and youth participation. The call has an indicative budget of €600,000, with up to 10 grants available and a maximum of €60,000 per project. Eligible applicants include international youth NGOs and networks registered in the EYF system.
Overview
The European Youth Foundation (EYF) supports youth organisations working across countries to strengthen democratic participation, international understanding, and youth engagement in society.
This call focuses on international long-term projects that bring together youth organisations and young people from multiple countries to collaborate on initiatives that promote human rights, democratic values, and social inclusion.
Projects funded under this programme should promote cross-border cooperation, youth learning, and long-term partnerships among youth organisations.
Key Objectives of the Programme
The call aims to support projects that strengthen the role of youth organisations in promoting democratic participation and social inclusion.
Key objectives include:
• Supporting the strategic development of youth organisations and their networks
• Building capacity and knowledge hubs through research, tools, manuals, and policy outputs
• Encouraging long-term international cooperation and partnerships
• Equipping young people with knowledge and skills related to democratic participation and human rights
• Reaching young people through education, advocacy, awareness-raising, and cooperation activities
Projects should create lasting impact by strengthening youth organisations and empowering young people to engage in democratic processes.
Thematic Priorities
Projects funded through this call must align with the thematic priorities defined by the European Youth Foundation.
These priorities include:
Revitalising Pluralistic Democracy
Projects should encourage young people to participate actively in democratic processes and strengthen democratic institutions.
Young People’s Access to Rights
Initiatives should support youth awareness and access to fundamental rights, including civic participation and social rights.
Living Together in Peaceful and Inclusive Societies
Projects should promote social cohesion, intercultural dialogue, and peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.
Youth Work
Projects may strengthen youth work practices, tools, and professional development in youth organisations.
Funding Amount and Budget
The European Youth Foundation has allocated an indicative budget of €600,000 for this call.
Funding details include:
• Total budget: €600,000
• Number of grants planned: Approximately 10 projects
• Maximum grant per project: €60,000
The final grant amount depends on the project scope and evaluation results.
Project Participation Requirements
Projects funded under this programme must involve international participation.
Key participation criteria include:
• Activities should include participants residing in at least seven Council of Europe member states
• Participants from other countries may be included if justified
• Project activities should demonstrate balanced international representation
This requirement ensures that projects foster strong cross-border collaboration and international dialogue.
Youth Participation Criteria
The programme focuses primarily on young people.
Participation requirements include:
• At least 75% of participants must be aged 30 or younger
• Projects should include young people with disabilities
• Activities must promote gender equality
• Projects should encourage social inclusion of marginalized youth
These criteria ensure that projects reach diverse groups of young people and promote inclusive participation.
Who Is Eligible?
The call is open to international youth organisations registered in the EYF system.
Eligible applicants include:
• International non-governmental youth organisations (INGYOs)
• International networks of youth NGOs
Additional eligibility requirements include:
• Registration in the European Youth Foundation grant management system
• A bank account capable of receiving funds in euros (€)
• Demonstrated financial capacity to sustain activities during the project period
• Adequate operational and professional capacity, including staff or volunteers
Applicants must also contribute their own resources, such as human resources, expertise, or in-kind contributions.
Why This Funding Matters
Young people play a critical role in shaping democratic societies and promoting human rights.
The European Youth Foundation supports youth-led initiatives that:
• Strengthen international youth cooperation
• Promote democratic values and civic participation
• Encourage intercultural dialogue and solidarity
• Build capacity within youth organisations
• Empower young people to become active citizens
By funding long-term projects, EYF helps youth organisations create sustainable impact across multiple countries.
How the Funding Works
Projects funded under this call typically include a range of collaborative activities.
Examples of supported activities include:
• International youth exchanges and workshops
• Training programmes and educational activities
• Research and policy development related to youth issues
• Awareness campaigns and advocacy initiatives
• Development of manuals, toolkits, or digital resources for youth organisations
Projects should demonstrate clear long-term impact and strategic value for youth networks.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the European Youth Foundation funding.
Step 1: Register in the EYF Grant System
Your organisation must be registered as:
• An international youth NGO, or
• An international network of youth NGOs
Step 2: Develop an International Project Proposal
Your proposal should describe:
• Project objectives and thematic priorities
• Participating countries and organisations
• Planned activities and timeline
• Expected outcomes and impact
• Budget and funding request
Step 3: Demonstrate Capacity and Resources
Applicants must show:
• Adequate financial capacity
• Operational expertise to implement the project
• Contribution of human or in-kind resources
Step 4: Submit the Application
Applications must be submitted through the European Youth Foundation online grant management system.
Projects will be evaluated based on relevance, impact, and organisational capacity.
Activities Not Eligible for Funding
Certain activities cannot receive funding under this call.
These include:
• Commercial or profit-making activities
• Purchase of land or buildings
• Construction or renovation of buildings
• Purchase of fixed building equipment
• Tourism activities
• Scholarships
• Sports competitions or sporting events
Projects must focus on youth cooperation, education, and democratic engagement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following issues when preparing proposals.
1. Weak international participation
Projects must include participants from multiple countries, especially Council of Europe member states.
2. Limited youth involvement
At least 75% of participants must be under 30 years old.
3. Lack of thematic alignment
Projects must clearly address the EYF thematic priorities.
4. Insufficient organisational capacity
Applicants should demonstrate strong management and implementation experience.
5. Including ineligible activities
Avoid budgets related to construction, tourism, or commercial activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the European Youth Foundation?
The European Youth Foundation is a funding mechanism of the Council of Europe that supports youth organisations promoting democracy, human rights, and international cooperation.
2. How much funding is available in this call?
The call has a total indicative budget of €600,000, with about 10 projects expected to receive funding.
3. What is the maximum grant amount per project?
Each selected project may receive up to €60,000.
4. Who can apply for the grant?
Eligible applicants include international youth NGOs and networks registered in the EYF grant system.
5. How many countries must participate in the project?
Most project activities should involve participants from at least seven Council of Europe member states.
6. What is the age requirement for participants?
At least 75% of participants must be aged 30 or younger.
7. Are infrastructure or construction projects eligible?
No. The programme does not fund construction, building purchases, or infrastructure development.
Conclusion
The European Youth Foundation’s call for international long-term youth cooperation projects offers significant support for organisations working to promote democracy, human rights, and youth engagement across borders.
With funding of up to €60,000 per project, the programme provides youth organisations with an opportunity to develop collaborative international initiatives that strengthen youth participation, foster social inclusion, and build stronger democratic societies across Europe and beyond.
For more information, visit European Youth Foundation.
