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Apply for AU-EU Youth Action Lab Cooperation Grant Program 2026

Deadline: 12-Feb-2026

The Cooperation Grants fund youth-led, cross-continental partnerships between African and European non-profits. Each 12-month grant provides €50,000 to consortiums that empower young leaders to shape policy, strengthen civil society, and drive collaborative projects. The programme prioritizes youth governance, formal registration, and clear organisational capacity.

Cooperation Grants: Funding Youth-Led Africa–Europe Partnerships

Overview

The Cooperation Grants support youth-led organisations that want to influence public policy and build long-term collaboration between Africa and Europe. Each grant provides €50,000 for a 12-month project carried out by a consortium of at least one African and one European organisation. The programme strengthens youth leadership, cross-border cooperation, and social impact.

What the Grant Supports

The grant is designed to:

  • Empower young people to lead policy-oriented initiatives

  • Strengthen civil society partnerships across Africa and Europe

  • Build sustainable, youth-driven development networks

  • Support social missions implemented by non-profit organisations

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, applicants must meet all core requirements:

Consortium Requirements

  • Minimum two organisations

  • At least one organisation from the EU

  • At least one from eligible African countries:
    Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia (Somaliland region), Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

  • Independent applications are not allowed

  • The consortium must demonstrate the ability to run collaborative projects

Organisational Requirements

  • Must be non-profit entities, such as:

    • Trusts

    • Community-Based Organisations (CBOs)

    • Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

    • Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)

  • Must have a clear social mission

  • Must be formally registered in their home country

  • Must maintain a bank account and documented governance structure

Youth Leadership Requirements

  • All governance members must be 18–35 years old

  • At least 80% of staff designing and implementing activities must be young people

  • Project implementation staff must be fully youth-led (ages 18–35)

Why It Matters

This funding stream strengthens youth representation in policy-making and international development. By mandating both African–European collaboration and majority youth leadership, the grant ensures that young people directly shape the solutions affecting their communities. It builds long-term networks that advance shared priorities such as civic engagement, social justice, governance, and sustainable development.

How the Programme Works

  1. Form a Consortium
    Partner with at least one eligible African organisation and one EU-based organisation.

  2. Define a Youth-Led Project
    Outline objectives aligned with policy-making, social change, or cross-continental cooperation.

  3. Confirm Eligibility
    Ensure governance members and majority of staff fall within the 18–35 age requirement.

  4. Prepare Documentation
    Registration certificates
    Bank account details
    Governance structure
    Evidence of past collaborative projects (for the lead organisation)

  5. Submit Application
    Follow the programme’s submission guidelines and deadlines.

  6. Implement the 12-Month Project
    Use the €50,000 grant to carry out agreed activities and report progress.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying alone: Independent applications are automatically rejected.

  • Not meeting the youth leadership threshold: Less than 80% youth-led staff disqualifies eligibility.

  • Inadequate documentation: Missing formal registration or governance proof.

  • Weak partnership history: Lead organisation must show collaborative experience.

  • Unclear policy or social impact: Proposals must explicitly contribute to policy engagement or civil society strengthening.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding does each consortium receive?

Each approved consortium receives €50,000 for a 12-month youth-led project.

2. Can two African organisations apply without a European partner?

No. A consortium must include at least one African and one EU organisation.

3. Can organisations that are not youth-led apply?

No. Governance and implementation structures must be fully youth-led (18–35).

4. Can a start-up non-profit apply?

Yes, if it is formally registered, has a bank account, and meets all youth and consortium rules.

5. What types of projects are eligible?

Projects focusing on policy-making, civic engagement, youth advocacy, social development, or cross-continental cooperation.

6. Does the coordinating organisation need experience?

Yes. The lead organisation must show previous collaboration with at least one partner.

7. Are private companies eligible?

No. Only non-profit organisations with a social mission can apply.

Conclusion

The Cooperation Grants offer one of the most targeted funding opportunities for youth-led organisations working across Africa and Europe. By combining a strong youth leadership model with cross-continental collaboration, the programme empowers young innovators to influence policy, strengthen civil society, and drive meaningful change. This grant is an essential pathway for organisations committed to youth-driven development and international partnership.

For more information, visit AU-EU Youth Lab.