Request for Applications: Digital for Youth Programme in Belgium

The King Baudouin Foundation’s Digital for Youth Programme supports Belgian non-profits in developing digital skills for vulnerable young people aged 6–25. The initiative provides computers and modest financial assistance to projects that enhance learning, skill-building, and social inclusion, prioritizing practical use of technology over organisational administration.

Program Overview

The Digital for Youth Programme addresses digital inequality by empowering young people from socially vulnerable backgrounds to acquire essential digital skills. The programme combines the provision of computers with limited financial support, focusing on using technology for guidance, learning, and skill development rather than operational purposes.

Objectives

• Enhance digital literacy among children and youth aged 6–25

• Reduce barriers to education and participation caused by unequal access to technology

• Support long-term social inclusion and future opportunities for vulnerable young people

Key Features

• Support Provided: Computers and modest financial assistance

• Target Group: Young people aged 6–25, particularly those in challenging social environments

• Focus Areas: Basic computer use, internet navigation, coding, programming, media literacy, and other digital competencies

• Eligible Applicants: Belgian non-profit organisations with a social purpose

Who Is Eligible?

• Non-profit organisations established and operating in Belgium

• Partnerships Encouraged: Collaboration with public authorities, Public Social Welfare Centres, and schools is allowed to enhance impact

• Ineligible Applicants: Commercial initiatives, public authorities, PSWCs, and schools applying independently

How the Programme Works

1. Define Target Group: Clearly identify the young people who will benefit from the project

2. Design Digital Learning Activities: Plan workshops, coding sessions, online literacy courses, or other relevant initiatives

3. Request Support: Specify the number of computers needed and any start-up funding required

4. Implementation: Use technology directly for skill-building, learning, and guidance, ensuring clear timelines and resources

5. Maintenance Plan: Include strategies for sustaining the equipment and programme over time

6. Collaboration: Engage local social and digital inclusion stakeholders to strengthen impact

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed on:

• Feasibility: Realistic objectives, clear timeline, and prepared resources

• Impact: Contribution to digital skills development and social inclusion

• Sustainability: Long-term use of equipment and continuation of activities

• Innovation: Approaches that can inspire replication elsewhere

• Partnerships: Collaboration with social and educational actors

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define how digital skills will be used for learning and social inclusion

• Demonstrate tangible benefits for vulnerable young people

• Present a realistic budget, including modest funding per computer

• Highlight innovative or replicable methods

• Include plans for equipment maintenance and programme sustainability

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Focusing funding on administrative or organisational expenses rather than youth skill-building

• Submitting projects without a clear target group or measurable outcomes

• Requesting disproportionate financial support relative to equipment needs

• Ignoring the importance of local partnerships and stakeholder engagement

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the Digital for Youth Programme?
Non-profit organisations with a social purpose operating in Belgium.

2. Can schools or public authorities apply?
No, but partnerships with these entities are encouraged.

3. What type of support is provided?
Computers and modest financial assistance for start-up costs linked to youth digital skill-building.

4. What age group is targeted?
Children and youth aged 6–25, especially those in vulnerable social situations.

5. Can funding be used for organisational administration?
No, support must focus on practical digital skill development and learning activities.

6. Are innovative approaches valued?
Yes, projects with methods that can be replicated or inspire other initiatives are particularly valued.

7. How is project sustainability ensured?
Applications must include plans for maintaining equipment and continuing digital activities beyond the initial funding period.

Conclusion

The Digital for Youth Programme offers Belgian non-profits a valuable opportunity to combat digital inequality, equipping vulnerable young people with essential skills for education, participation, and future opportunities. By combining computers with targeted support for learning and skill-building, the initiative promotes social inclusion and creates lasting benefits for children and youth across Belgium.