RFAs: Strengthening Youth-Led Action for Social and Environmental Change

Deadline: 28-Feb-2026

The YOU(th) CARE project invites youth-led and youth-focused organisations to apply for its second Call for Proposals, supporting initiatives that amplify young people’s voices across Europe and the Mediterranean. Grants range from €6,000 to €15,000, funding both international networking projects and national-level youth spaces. The program fosters social justice, environmental sustainability, gender equity, and collective care-based action, with activities starting April 2026.

Overview of the Program

YOU(th) CARE aims to strengthen youth-led action in response to social and ecological crises such as inequality, climate change, and systemic injustices. By fostering networking, co-creation, and knowledge exchange, the initiative empowers young people to drive transformative change locally and internationally.

Key objectives include:

• Enhancing international networking and exchange of good practices

• Supporting co-created youth initiatives

• Promoting the Global CARE approach and collective care-based action

• Creating or reclaiming physical, civic, or virtual spaces for youth engagement

• Advancing social justice, environmental sustainability, and gender equity

Funding Opportunities

Lot 1 – Beyond Borders: International Networking

• Grant amount: €10,000 – €15,000

• Project duration: 8–10 months

• Focus: Projects connecting youth initiatives from at least two countries to collaborate on campaigns, exchanges, and advocacy

• Example activities:

  • Facilitating youth exchanges and workshops

  • Activating youth networks for festivals, campaigns, or advocacy

  • Joint awareness initiatives on social, environmental, or political issues

Lot 2 – Making Space: National Youth Spaces

• Grant amount: €6,000 – €8,000

• Project duration: 6–8 months

• Focus: Initiatives that create, reclaim, or revitalize physical, civic, or virtual spaces for youth

• Example activities:

  • Revitalizing urban green areas or parks

  • Establishing creative or arts-based youth spaces

  • Organizing local workshops, exhibitions, or community events

Geographic Scope

The program engages youth groups from:

• EU countries: Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Hungary, Greece

• Non-EU and South Mediterranean countries: Albania, Serbia, Tunisia, Morocco

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be:

• Non-profit legal entities, civil society organisations, associations of CSOs, or formal youth groups/networks

• Youth-led or youth-focused, established in one of the participating countries

• Submitting projects as partnerships with at least one co-applicant

• Lead and co-applicants must meet legal registration, non-profit status, and project management capacity requirements

Not eligible:

• Individuals

• Governmental institutions

• Previous beneficiaries of the project’s sub-grants

How to Apply

Step 1: Form a Partnership

• Identify co-applicants that meet eligibility criteria

• Ensure collaboration across countries for Lot 1 projects

Step 2: Develop Project Proposal

• Define objectives aligned with CARE principles

• Specify target audience, activities, and expected impact

• Choose Lot 1 (international) or Lot 2 (national) funding type

• Prepare detailed budget and timeline

Step 3: Submit Application

• Applications must comply with the program’s official guidelines

• Activities begin in April 2026

• Ensure all lead and co-applicants provide proof of legal registration and non-profit status

Expected Outcomes

• Strengthened youth networks and international collaboration

• Creation or revitalization of youth spaces for engagement and action

• Increased impact of youth-led social and environmental initiatives

• Opportunities for advocacy and collective mobilization across Europe and the Mediterranean

• Enhanced visibility and exchange of innovative practices in youth-led development

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying as an individual or governmental institution

• Submitting a proposal without a qualified co-applicant

• Failing to meet non-profit or legal registration requirements

• Applying as a previous sub-grant beneficiary

• Submitting proposals that do not align with youth-led action or CARE principles

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What types of projects are funded?

Projects must either connect youth initiatives internationally (Lot 1) or create/reclaim youth spaces nationally (Lot 2).

2. What is the grant range?

• Lot 1: €10,000 – €15,000

• Lot 2: €6,000 – €8,000

3. Who can apply?

Youth-led or youth-focused non-profits, civil society organisations, or formal youth networks in eligible countries.

4. Are individuals eligible to apply?

No, applications must be submitted by organisations or formal youth groups, not individuals.

5. Is international collaboration required?

Yes, for Lot 1 projects, partnerships must involve at least two countries.

6. When do project activities begin?

Activities are scheduled to start April 2026.

7. Can previous sub-grant recipients apply?

No, previous beneficiaries of the project’s sub-grants are not eligible.

Conclusion

The YOU(th) CARE Call for Proposals 2026 provides a unique opportunity for youth-led organisations to connect, innovate, and co-create solutions addressing social and ecological challenges. By funding both international networking initiatives and national youth spaces, the program strengthens collective care-based action, amplifies young voices, and fosters long-term impact across Europe and the Mediterranean.

For more information, visit YOU(th) CARE.