Deadline: 05-Jul-2026
The Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, in partnership with Hiraya, has launched the Partnership for Youth Grant Program to support youth-led civil society initiatives that promote civic engagement and democratic participation across the Philippines.
The program provides financial support to youth-led projects, strengthens the capacities of youth organizations, and creates opportunities for meaningful youth participation in democratic processes. It also seeks to promote transparency, accountability, and active citizenship among young Filipinos.
About the Program
The Partnership for Youth Grant Program is designed to empower youth-led civil society organizations and support initiatives that encourage democratic participation and civic engagement.
The initiative responds to the growing role of young Filipinos in governance and community development while addressing challenges that continue to limit meaningful participation. It builds on previous efforts that successfully mobilized civil society organizations and aims to create long-term opportunities for youth involvement in democratic processes.
Focus Areas
Eligible projects may focus on:
- Civic education and reinforcement
- Advocacy and public speaking
- Political participation
- Youth leadership development
- Electoral integrity
- Activist protection
- Digital security
- Digital inclusion
- Innovation and technology-based solutions
- Media literacy
- Inclusion of marginalized communities
- Indigenous youth engagement
- Youth participation in Mindanao
- Support for underrepresented youth groups
Purpose of the Program
The program aims to:
- Provide direct financial support to youth-led micro-projects
- Strengthen the organizational capacities of youth-led organizations
- Enhance advocacy and leadership skills among young people
- Lower barriers to political participation
- Foster democratic values and civic responsibility
- Promote transparency and accountability
- Build a national network of youth organizations
- Encourage meaningful youth participation in governance
Grant Categories
Funding is available through two grant categories.
Seed Grants
Seed Grants are intended for:
- Newly formed organizations
- Student-led groups
- Grassroots associations
- Organizations established for less than two years
These grants support:
- Localized projects
- Community-based initiatives
- Campus-based programs
- Municipal-level activities
Project duration:
- 12 to 18 months
Consolidation Grants
Consolidation Grants are intended for:
- Established non-governmental organizations
- Established civil society organizations
- Organizations with at least two years of operational experience
These grants support:
- Regional projects
- National-level initiatives
- Larger-scale programs
- Organizations with broader implementation capacity
Project duration:
- 18 to 24 months
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be:
- Legally registered civil society organizations
- Associations
- Foundations
- Student organizations
- Non-profit entities based in the Philippines
Additional requirements include:
- Being youth-focused
- Operating on a non-partisan basis
- Demonstrating financial integrity
Organizations applying under the Seed Grants category may also be:
- In the process of formal registration
Project Requirements
Projects must:
- Be implemented within the Philippines
- Take place during the 2026–2027 program period
- Actively involve young people as participants
- Align with the objectives of the program
- Focus on one or more eligible thematic areas
Projects are not eligible if they:
- Treat young people solely as beneficiaries
- Already receive partial funding from another donor
Application Rules
Applicants should note that:
- Organizations may submit only one application per category
- Applications must meet all eligibility requirements
- Projects must align with program objectives
- Organizations should demonstrate the capacity to manage proposed activities
Importance of the Program
The Partnership for Youth Grant Program supports stronger youth participation in civic and democratic processes throughout the Philippines.
Key benefits include:
- Expanding opportunities for youth leadership
- Strengthening youth-led organizations
- Promoting democratic participation
- Supporting civic education initiatives
- Encouraging accountability and transparency
- Increasing inclusion of marginalized youth communities
- Building stronger youth networks nationwide
Application Tips
Strong applications typically demonstrate:
- Clear youth leadership and participation
- Alignment with program objectives
- Realistic project activities and outcomes
- Community relevance and impact
- Inclusion of marginalized or underrepresented groups
- Organizational capacity to implement the project
Common Application Mistakes
Applications may be weakened by:
- Failing to demonstrate active youth participation
- Submitting projects outside the eligible focus areas
- Providing incomplete organizational information
- Failing to show organizational capacity
- Applying with projects already funded by another donor
- Weak alignment with program objectives
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Partnership for Youth Grant Program?
- A grant initiative that supports youth-led civil society projects promoting civic engagement and democratic participation across the Philippines.
Who can apply?
- Legally registered civil society organizations.
- Associations.
- Foundations.
- Student organizations.
- Non-profit entities based in the Philippines.
- Organizations applying for Seed Grants may also be in the process of formal registration.
What types of projects are supported?
- Civic education initiatives.
- Advocacy and public speaking projects.
- Political participation and youth leadership activities.
- Electoral integrity programs.
- Media literacy initiatives.
- Digital inclusion and innovation projects.
- Activities supporting marginalized and underrepresented youth.
What is the difference between Seed Grants and Consolidation Grants?
- Seed Grants support newly formed organizations and localized projects.
- Seed Grant projects may run for 12 to 18 months.
- Consolidation Grants support established organizations with regional or national reach.
- Consolidation Grant projects may run for 18 to 24 months.
Where must projects be implemented?
- Within the Philippines.
- During the 2026–2027 program period.
Can organizations submit more than one application?
- Organizations may submit one application per grant category.
Can projects already funded by another donor apply?
- No.
- Projects receiving partial funding from another donor are not eligible for support.
Conclusion
The Partnership for Youth Grant Program provides an important opportunity for youth-led organizations in the Philippines to strengthen civic engagement, democratic participation, and youth leadership. By supporting both emerging and established organizations, the program aims to build stronger youth networks, encourage active citizenship, and create lasting opportunities for young Filipinos to contribute to democratic governance and community development.
For more information, visit Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia.