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CFAs: Empowering Marginalised Youth Voices in Climate and Social Justice Research

Deadline: 25-Jan-2026

Youth and Environment Europe is offering grants of €500–€1,000 to youth-led environmental organizations in Council of Europe member states to conduct participatory research with marginalised communities. The projects, carried out in partnership with social justice actors over February–March 2026, will focus on understanding climate and social justice challenges faced by underrepresented youth, generating actionable insights for inclusive climate action.

Overview of the Grant

Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) invites youth-led environmental organizations to conduct participatory, community-based research in collaboration with social justice actors. The initiative aims to amplify the voices of marginalised youth and integrate their perspectives into climate action. Projects should focus on actionable, inclusive, and equitable solutions informed by local communities most affected by climate and social inequities.

Funding Details

  • Grant Amount: €500–€1,000 per research project.

  • Number of Grants: Five grants will be awarded.

  • Project Duration: Two months, from February to March 2026.

  • Purpose: Support participatory research with marginalised youth to inform inclusive climate action.

Who is Eligible?

  • Organization Type: Established youth-led environmental organizations.

  • Location: Any Council of Europe member state.

  • Partnership Requirement: Must have an existing partnership with a social sector actor or a plan to establish one for project implementation.

  • Focus: Research must center on marginalised youth and communities.

  • Experience: Applicants should demonstrate prior experience in youth engagement or youth work.

Target Groups

The research must focus on young people from marginalised backgrounds, including:

  • BIPOC youth

  • Roma youth

  • Youth with migration backgrounds

  • Youth with disabilities

  • LGBTQIA+ youth

  • Rural youth

  • Youth from low-income backgrounds

  • Ethnic minorities

  • Other underrepresented groups

Community leaders and local organizers may participate, but the primary focus should remain on the perspectives and experiences of the youth themselves.

Objectives of the Research

Selected projects are expected to address:

  1. Identification of marginalised youth groups in local contexts.

  2. Understanding overlapping climate and social justice challenges faced by these groups.

  3. Mapping existing strengths, initiatives, and resources within the communities.

  4. Identifying barriers, unmet needs, and local gaps in climate action.

  5. Gathering insights to inform more just, inclusive, and effective climate interventions.

How to Apply

  1. Confirm eligibility as a youth-led environmental organization in a Council of Europe member state.

  2. Ensure your organization has an existing social sector partnership or a plan to establish one.

  3. Develop a research proposal focused on marginalised youth and communities, highlighting objectives, methodology, and expected impact.

  4. Submit the application by the stated deadline (consult YEE for exact submission timeline).

  5. Selected projects will receive funding and guidance for implementing research between February and March 2026.

Why It Matters

This grant empowers youth-led organizations to:

  • Collaborate with social justice actors for inclusive climate action.

  • Center the experiences of underrepresented youth in research.

  • Generate actionable insights to guide policies and initiatives.

  • Strengthen youth engagement and advocacy in local climate efforts.

Tips and Common Mistakes

  • Focus research clearly on the perspectives of marginalised youth.

  • Ensure partnerships with social justice actors are in place or planned.

  • Propose projects that are realistic and manageable within the two-month timeline.

  • Avoid overly academic or theoretical approaches; emphasize participatory, practical research.

  • Demonstrate previous experience in youth engagement or community work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Who can apply? Established youth-led environmental organizations in Council of Europe member states.

  2. What is the grant amount? €500–€1,000 per project.

  3. How long will the project last? Two months (February–March 2026).

  4. Who must the research focus on? Marginalised youth and underrepresented communities.

  5. Is a partnership required? Yes, with an existing social sector actor or a clear plan to establish one.

  6. How many grants will be awarded? Five grants.

  7. What types of activities are supported? Participatory, community-based research that is practical and youth-focused, not purely academic.

Conclusion

This call from Youth and Environment Europe offers youth-led environmental organizations a unique opportunity to conduct participatory research with marginalised youth, collaborate with social justice actors, and contribute to inclusive climate action. The funding supports actionable insights, strengthens youth engagement, and ensures that underrepresented voices are central to local climate solutions.

For more information, visit YEE.