CFPs: Youth in Action – Innovative Projects for a Sustainable Economy 2026-2027 (Switzerland)

The Youth in Action Funding Programme 2026–2027 provides grants of up to CHF 20,000 to support youth-led projects that advance sustainable economic development and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Switzerland. The programme specifically targets projects designed and managed by young people aged 16 to 26, focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainable production, regional value creation, and long-term sustainability.

Youth in Action Funding Programme 2026–2027

The Youth in Action Funding Programme 2026–2027 is an initiative of Switzerland’s Federal Office for Spatial Development (ARE) that provides start-up funding for innovative projects led by young people. The programme supports initiatives that contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting sustainable economic development and regional innovation.

The 2026–2027 funding round is centered on the theme “Youth in Action: Innovative Projects for a Sustainable Economy.” It encourages young leaders to develop practical solutions that strengthen sustainable regional economies while balancing environmental, social, and economic priorities.

Programme Overview

Programme Name: Youth in Action Funding Programme 2026–2027
Country: Switzerland
Funding Organization: Federal Office for Spatial Development (ARE)
Programme Theme: Youth in Action: Innovative Projects for a Sustainable Economy
Maximum Grant Amount: CHF 20,000
Project Duration: Projects should begin in early 2027 and be completed by December 2027
Target Applicants: Youth-led projects submitted through eligible Swiss organizations
Workshop Requirement: Participation in two experience-sharing workshops in March and November 2027

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to support innovative youth-led initiatives that contribute to sustainable economic development while advancing Switzerland’s Sustainable Development Strategy 2030.

Its objectives include:

Supporting youth leadership in sustainable development.
Encouraging innovative solutions for sustainable economic growth.
Promoting sustainable regional value creation.
Strengthening entrepreneurship and future employment opportunities.
Supporting projects with long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Advancing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Focus Areas

Projects should address one or more of the following priority areas:

Future of work
Entrepreneurship
Sustainable production
Sustainable consumption
Innovation for sustainable economic development
Sustainable regional value creation
Climate action
Clean energy
Biodiversity conservation
Equal opportunities
Social cohesion
Circular economy
Green innovation
Local economic resilience

Projects are expected to contribute primarily to:

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Projects may also contribute to additional Sustainable Development Goals where appropriate.

Funding Information

Successful applicants may receive:

Grants of up to CHF 20,000.
Start-up funding for innovative project implementation.
Opportunities to exchange experiences with other funded projects.
Networking opportunities through workshops organized by ARE and SECO.
Increased visibility for innovative youth-led sustainability initiatives.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible, projects must satisfy the following requirements:

The project must be developed and managed by young people aged 16 to 26 years at the time of application.
Applications must be submitted through an eligible organization or institution based in Switzerland.
Planning, implementation, and project management must remain under the leadership of young people.
The project should align with the programme’s sustainability objectives.
Projects must be in their initial phase or scheduled to begin in early 2027.
All activities must be completed by December 2027.

Eligible Organizations

Applications may be submitted through:

Public institutions
Municipalities
Cantons
Associations
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Foundations
Companies
Other eligible organizations and institutions operating in Switzerland

These organizations serve as the formal applicant, while the project itself must remain youth-led.

Eligible Projects

Eligible projects should:

Support sustainable economic development.
Promote youth participation and leadership.
Strengthen sustainable regional value creation.
Address ecological, economic, and social sustainability.
Produce innovative and transferable solutions.
Demonstrate measurable long-term impact.
Generate visible and communicable outcomes.
Address current and future societal needs.

Projects should also have the potential to serve as examples that can be replicated in other regions or communities.

Workshop Participation

Selected project managers are required to participate in two experience-sharing workshops organized jointly by the Federal Office for Spatial Development (ARE) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

The workshops are scheduled for:

March 2027
November 2027

These workshops provide opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and sharing best practices among funded projects.

Why This Programme Matters

Young people play a vital role in creating innovative solutions for future economic and environmental challenges. The Youth in Action Funding Programme empowers youth to lead sustainable development initiatives while building practical experience in project management, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

By supporting projects that balance economic growth with environmental protection and social inclusion, the programme contributes to a more resilient and sustainable future for Switzerland.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Develop an innovative project idea that supports sustainable economic development.
Ensure the project aligns with the programme theme and SDG priorities.
Form a youth-led project team with members aged between 16 and 26.
Partner with an eligible Swiss organization that will submit the application.
Prepare a detailed project proposal outlining objectives, activities, expected outcomes, sustainability, and budget.
Demonstrate how the project contributes to long-term regional value creation and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Submit the completed application through the eligible organization before the official deadline.

Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare documentation that clearly explains:

Project objectives
Sustainability impact
Innovation and originality
Youth leadership structure
Work plan and implementation timeline
Budget and funding request
Expected long-term outcomes
Contribution to SDG 8 and SDG 12
Communication and visibility strategy
Potential for replication in other regions

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Demonstrate genuine youth leadership throughout the project.
Clearly explain the sustainability benefits.
Show measurable environmental, economic, and social impacts.
Include realistic timelines and budgets.
Highlight innovation and originality.
Explain how the project can be replicated elsewhere.
Present strong community or regional benefits.
Show long-term sustainability beyond the grant period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

Submitting projects without meaningful youth leadership.
Failing to demonstrate links to sustainable economic development.
Providing vague or unrealistic project plans.
Ignoring SDG 8 and SDG 12 priorities.
Requesting funding for projects already completed.
Submitting incomplete budgets or missing documentation.
Failing to explain long-term impact or sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can lead a project?

Projects must be planned, managed, and implemented by young people aged between 16 and 26 years, although applications must be submitted through an eligible Swiss organization.

How much funding is available?

Successful projects may receive grants of up to CHF 20,000.

Which Sustainable Development Goals are prioritized?

The programme primarily supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) while encouraging contributions to other SDGs.

Can companies submit applications?

Yes. Companies, foundations, public institutions, municipalities, associations, and other eligible organizations in Switzerland may submit applications on behalf of youth-led projects.

When must projects be completed?

Projects should begin in early 2027 and must be completed by December 2027.

Is workshop participation mandatory?

Yes. Selected project managers must attend the experience-sharing workshops scheduled for March 2027 and November 2027.

What types of projects are encouraged?

The programme supports innovative projects related to entrepreneurship, sustainable production and consumption, climate action, biodiversity, green innovation, regional value creation, circular economy, social cohesion, and other initiatives that contribute to sustainable economic development.

Conclusion

The Youth in Action Funding Programme 2026–2027 provides an excellent opportunity for young innovators in Switzerland to transform sustainable ideas into impactful projects. By offering funding of up to CHF 20,000, the programme empowers youth to lead initiatives that strengthen regional economies, promote environmental responsibility, encourage entrepreneurship, and advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

Organizations and young project leaders with innovative, community-focused ideas that create lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits are encouraged to apply and contribute to building a more sustainable future for Switzerland.