Call for Projects from Young People to support First Collective Projects (France)

Deadline: 15-Apr-2026

The Hautes-Alpes Department is offering grants of €500 to €5,000 to support young people aged 11 to 17 in developing their first collective projects with a social or public-interest purpose. Projects must be led by at least two young people living in Hautes-Alpes, supported by a lead organization, and can receive up to 80% of total project costs.

What is the Hautes-Alpes Youth Collective Projects Grant?

This initiative supports young people in Hautes-Alpes, France who want to create and carry out a collective project that benefits the community.

The program aims to help youth:

• Turn ideas into real projects

• Build responsibility and autonomy

• Promote civic participation

• Strengthen social inclusion

• Support local activities, especially in areas with fewer educational opportunities

Grant Amount

Selected projects can receive:

• Minimum: €500

• Maximum: €5,000

Funding Rules

• The grant can cover up to 80% of the total project cost

• Total project income must not exceed 100% of the budget

• Applicants must submit a financing plan

• The plan should include:

  • Co-financing requests

  • Self-financing activities (planned or ongoing)

Who is Eligible?

This call is open to:

• Young people aged 11 to 17

• Residents of the Hautes-Alpes department

• Groups of at least 2 young people

Key Eligibility Conditions

Projects must:

• Be initiated and led by the young participants

• Show their active involvement in both:

  • Design

  • Implementation

• Be supported and approved by a lead organization

• Be monitored locally by a legal entity

• Have at least one adult contact person

Young people are also encouraged to form:

• Socially mixed groups

• Gender-balanced groups

Who Can Support the Project?

Projects must be backed by a local support structure, such as:

• Youth centers

• Community centers

• Local youth services

• Similar youth development organizations

Supporting organizations are also encouraged to identify:

• An elected official who can act as a project sponsor

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

Eligible projects should:

• Be collective

• Have a social purpose or general public interest

• Contribute to local community life

• Encourage youth engagement and inclusion

This program is especially intended for young people who need:

• Financial support

• Methodological guidance

Ineligible Projects

The following are not eligible:

• Projects submitted as part of an organization’s regular activities

• Activities during school hours

• School outings

• School-based projects for academic or vocational training

• Participation in or organization of official sporting competitions

• Study or internship projects

• Personal needs such as:

  • Housing

  • Health

  • Transport

  • Permits

Eligible and Ineligible Costs

Eligible Costs

• Real costs directly linked to the project

Not Covered

• Investments

• Supervisory staff costs already funded by:

  • SDJES

  • The Department

  • The Joint Social Security Fund

How to Apply

Step 1: Form a Group

• Create a group of at least 2 young people

• Ensure all participants are 11–17 years old and live in Hautes-Alpes

Step 2: Design a Collective Project

Your project should:

• Serve a social or public-interest goal

• Be clearly led by the young participants

• Include self-financing or co-financing where possible

Step 3: Find a Supporting Organization

Secure support from a:

• Youth center

• Community center

• Local association or service

This structure must validate the project and help supervise it.

Step 4: Prepare the Application

Include:

• Project presentation

• Financing plan

• Co-financing requests

• Self-financing activities

• Adult contact details

• Local legal entity support

Step 5: Plan a Final Presentation

Applicants must organize a local presentation of the completed project for an audience such as:

• Town hall

• School

• Community center

• Sports club

A departmental-level presentation may also be requested.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common issues:

• Applying as an individual instead of a group

• Submitting a project led mainly by adults or organizations

• Forgetting the financing plan

• Proposing ineligible school-based or personal projects

• Missing the application deadline

• Not including self-financing activities

FAQs

1. How much funding is available?

Projects can receive between €500 and €5,000.

2. Who can apply?

Young people aged 11 to 17 who live in the Hautes-Alpes department and apply as a group of at least two.

3. Can one young person apply alone?

No. Projects must be led by at least two young people.

4. How much of the project budget can the grant cover?

The grant can cover up to 80% of total project costs.

5. Do projects need adult supervision?

Yes. A legal entity must monitor the project locally, and at least one adult must act as the contact person.

6. Are school projects eligible?

Generally, no. Projects during school hours, school outings, or projects tied to academic or vocational training are not eligible.

Conclusion

The Hautes-Alpes Youth Collective Projects Grant is a valuable opportunity for young people aged 11–17 to launch their first community-focused group projects.

With funding of €500 to €5,000, the program supports youth-led ideas that promote civic engagement, local action, and social inclusion in the Hautes-Alpes department.

For more information, visit Hautes-Alpes Department.