Youth Work Access Initiatives for Young People in Ukraine

Deadline: 13-Apr-2026

The Council of Europe is offering grants to co-fund national and local youth projects in Ukraine, focusing on mental health, accessibility, human rights, and open youth work. Eligible civil society organizations can receive up to €4,500 to implement initiatives that enhance youth participation, resilience, and democratic engagement between June and August 2026.

Overview of the Grant

The Council of Europe invites applications for co-funding projects that ensure young people in Ukraine have access to youth work activities. This initiative is part of the “Youth for Democracy in Ukraine: Phase IV” project under the Action Plan for Ukraine 2023–2026, building on previous phases from 2020 to 2024.

Key objectives:

• Strengthen resilience and well-being of young people in wartime and post-war contexts

• Promote participatory youth policies and quality youth work

• Encourage democratic engagement and civil society development

• Support capacity-building in youth policy, youth work, and participation guided by Council of Europe youth standards

Focus Areas

Eligible projects should target one or more of the following:

1. Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Youth Work: Non-formal education activities that support emotional well-being and trauma recovery

2. Barrier-Free Environment & Accessibility: Awareness-raising and education to promote inclusivity and accessible spaces

3. Human Rights and Youth Participation: Educational initiatives that empower young people to engage in civic and democratic processes

4. Open Youth Work: Mobile, detached, street, or outreach programs that reach diverse youth populations

Projects should add value to Council of Europe efforts, particularly for IDPs, returnees, rural youth, and national communities. Activities may include workshops, trainings, forums, social media campaigns, and communication materials.

Funding and Budget

• Indicative Budget: €18,000 total

• Grant Size: Up to €4,500 per project

• Number of Grants: Up to 4

• Disbursement:

  • 80% upon signing the grant agreement

  • 20% upon submission and approval of final reports

• Project Implementation Period: 1 June 2026 – 31 August 2026

• Final Reporting Deadline: 1 October 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be legally constituted civil society organizations in Ukraine

• Have at least 2 years of experience in youth work

• Demonstrate financial and operational capacity to implement the project

• Maintain a bank account and be authorized to carry out proposed activities

How to Apply

1. Develop Project Proposal: Identify objectives, target youth groups, activities, and expected outcomes

2. Ensure Compliance: Verify legal status, operational capacity, and alignment with Council of Europe priorities

3. Submit Application: Include all supporting documentation and project details within the specified timeframe

4. Project Execution: Implement initiatives between 1 June and 31 August 2026

5. Reporting: Submit final report by 1 October 2026 to receive remaining grant funds

Why It Matters

• Supports Youth Resilience: Focuses on mental health, trauma-informed care, and civic engagement

• Promotes Inclusivity: Encourages barrier-free and accessible youth activities

• Strengthens Civil Society: Empowers local organizations and young people to take part in decision-making

• Aligns with European Standards: Uses Council of Europe youth sector tools and best practices

FAQs

1. Who is eligible to apply?
Civil society organizations legally constituted in Ukraine, active in youth work for at least 2 years.

2. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to €4,500 per project.

3. How long can projects run?
Projects must be implemented between 1 June 2026 and 31 August 2026.

4. Who are the target beneficiaries?
Young people in Ukraine, including IDPs, returnees, rural youth, and national communities.

5. How is funding disbursed?
80% at grant agreement signing; 20% after final report approval.

6. What types of activities are supported?
Workshops, trainings, forums, outreach programs, social media campaigns, and awareness-raising initiatives.

7. What is the reporting deadline?
1 October 2026.

Conclusion

This Council of Europe grant provides critical support to Ukrainian youth through co-funded projects that enhance well-being, participation, and democratic engagement. By empowering civil society organizations, the programme strengthens local capacity to deliver inclusive, impactful, and sustainable youth work initiatives.

For more information, visit Council of Europe.