Call for Proposals: Youth-led Projects for Arctic Change

Deadline: 19-Dec-2025

Youth Together for Arctic Futures offers small grants of up to €25,000 to youth-led projects that drive climate action, cultural preservation, and policy influence in the Arctic. The initiative empowers young changemakers aged 18–35 to lead creative, environmental, and advocacy projects that strengthen Arctic communities and amplify youth voices.

Overview

Youth Together for Arctic Futures provides funding and support to empower young leaders to shape Arctic futures through art, culture, climate, and policy initiatives. The program focuses on promoting youth agency, amplifying Arctic voices, and fostering sustainable solutions to regional challenges.

Grant Categories

1. Cultural and Creative Expression

   • Projects that showcase youth experiences and preserve Arctic culture

   • Activities may include:

     • Language preservation initiatives

     • Documentation of oral traditions

     • Murals, short films, or other creative media

     • Storytelling and youth-led exhibitions

2. Climate, Biodiversity, and Policy Engagement

   • Projects that enable youth to act on environmental and policy issues

   • Activities may include:

     • Climate advocacy campaigns

     • Community-based conservation initiatives

     • Policy labs or workshops shaping sustainable Arctic strategies

     • Youth participation in regional decision-making

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be grassroots youth civil society organisations or community-based groups

• Operate within the Arctic region

• Be youth-led (young people aged 18–35 must lead design, decision-making, and implementation)

• Address issues relevant to Arctic youth and communities

Examples of eligible groups:

• Student associations and volunteer youth groups

• Indigenous organisations and cultural institutions

• Studios or community arts initiatives

Why It Matters

This small-grant program:

• Lowers barriers for youth initiatives lacking access to large institutional funding

• Supports grassroots innovation and empowers young leaders as change agents

• Strengthens cultural preservation, climate resilience, and policy engagement

• Builds networks, mentorship opportunities, and regional influence for participants

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Project Concept: Define a youth-led project aligned with cultural or environmental priorities in the Arctic

2. Prepare Proposal: Include objectives, methodology, timeline, budget, and expected outcomes

3. Submit Application: Complete submission before the deadline via WWF’s online portal

4. Selection: WWF evaluates proposals based on youth leadership, relevance, innovation, and impact potential

5. Grant Implementation: Funded projects receive financial support, mentorship, and access to peer networks

Funding Details

• Maximum grant per project: €25,000

• Flexible funding to accommodate grassroots needs and small-scale initiatives

• Support includes mentorship and opportunities for collaboration across Arctic networks

Common Tips

• Emphasize youth leadership in all aspects of project design and execution

• Clearly link project outcomes to Arctic cultural, climate, or policy priorities

• Demonstrate potential for long-term impact or scalability

• Provide realistic budgets and timelines

FAQ

Q1: Who can apply for Youth Together for Arctic Futures grants?
A: Grassroots youth civil society organisations or community-based groups operating in the Arctic region, led by individuals aged 18–35.

Q2: What types of projects are funded?
A: Projects that promote cultural preservation, creative expression, climate and biodiversity action, or youth engagement in policy initiatives.

Q3: What is the maximum funding available?
A: Up to €25,000 per project.

Q4: Are individual applicants eligible?
A: No, projects must be led by organisations or groups, not individuals.

Q5: Can non-Arctic organisations apply?
A: Only organisations operating within Arctic regions are eligible.

Q6: Is mentorship provided?
A: Yes, funded projects receive guidance, peer networking, and mentorship opportunities.

Q7: How long can projects run?
A: Projects are typically designed for short- to medium-term implementation, with timelines detailed in applications.

Conclusion

Youth Together for Arctic Futures empowers young leaders to drive meaningful change in Arctic communities. By funding innovative, youth-led projects in cultural preservation, climate action, and policy engagement, the initiative ensures Arctic youth are agents of transformation—building sustainable, inclusive futures for the region.

For more information, visit WWF.