AU-EU Youth Action Lab Grant: Funding for Youth-Led Initiatives

The AU-EU Youth Action Lab Grant is offering a chance for young people in Africa and Europe to get funding for their projects. If you have an idea that addresses global challenges in your community, this grant could help you bring it to life. The program aims to connect youth initiatives across continents, allowing them to share ideas, learn from each other, and work together. It also provides a platform for young voices to reach decision-makers in the European Union and African Union.

This initiative offers two types of grants: Innovation Grants and Entrepreneurship Grants. Both are designed to support youth-led projects that aim to make a positive impact.

Key Takeaways

• The AU-EU Youth Action Lab Grant offers funding for youth-led projects focused on global challenges or economic opportunities.
• Innovation Grants provide up to 42,000 EURO for organizations developing new solutions, while Entrepreneurship Grants offer up to 31,500 EURO for ventures improving youth economic prospects.
• Eligibility requires organizations to be non-profit, youth-led (18-35 years old), formally registered in one of the 12 focus countries, and have project activities within these countries.
• Applications are submitted online via provided links, with a deadline of September 23, 2026.

Innovation Grants

The Innovation Grants are for youth organizations looking to create new solutions for global challenges within their local contexts. These grants provide financial support to help these organizations develop and implement their innovative ideas. The goal is to empower young people to drive change and create opportunities through creative problem-solving.

These grants offer 42,000 EURO to eligible youth-led organizations.

Eligibility for Innovation Grants

To be eligible for the Innovation Grants, your organization must meet specific criteria:

• Organizational Type: You must be a non-profit organization, such as a Trust, Community Based Organisation (CBO), or a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO)/Civil Society Organisation (CSO) with a clear social mission.
• Youth Leadership: Young people aged 18-35 must hold primary decision-making power and represent the organization’s governance. At least 80% of those involved in designing and carrying out activities must also be within this age range.
• Project Leadership: All staff directly involved in implementing the project must be young people aged 18-35.
• Formal Registration: Your organization must be legally registered in your country, possess an organizational bank account, and have a clear governance structure.
• Location: You must be located and registered in one of the 12 focus countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia (Somaliland region), Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
• Activity Location: The proposed project activities must take place in one or more of these 12 countries.

Entrepreneurship Grants

The Entrepreneurship Grants are designed to support young individuals and organizations working to improve economic opportunities for young people. These grants focus on strengthening the economic landscape for youth, helping them build sustainable ventures and create employment. The aim is to foster economic growth and self-sufficiency among young populations.

These grants offer 31,500 EURO to eligible youth-led organizations.

Eligibility for Entrepreneurship Grants

To apply for the Entrepreneurship Grants, your organization must meet the following requirements:

• Organizational Type: You must be a non-profit organization, including Trusts, CBOs, NGOs/CSOs, or Cooperatives with a clear social or environmental mission. The social enterprise activity should support this mission, not be a separate business.
• Youth Leadership: Similar to the Innovation Grants, young people aged 18-35 must lead the organization’s governance and decision-making. At least 80% of those involved in project activities must also be in this age group.
• Project Leadership: All staff implementing the project must be young people aged 18-35.
• Formal Registration and Operation: Your organization must be formally registered, have an organizational bank account, a clear governance structure, and have been operating for at least 12 months.
• Location: You must be located and registered in one of the 12 focus countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia (Somaliland region), Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
• Activity Location: The proposed project activities must take place in one or more of these 12 countries.

How to Apply

The application process for both grant types is managed online. If you have an innovative project idea or a venture focused on economic opportunities for youth, you can submit your application through the provided links.

• Apply for Innovation Grants: Click here to apply
• Apply for Entrepreneurship Grants: Click here to apply

For more detailed information about the AU-EU Youth Action Lab Grant program, you can visit their official website at AU-EU Youth Action Lab Grant. The deadline for applications is September 23, 2026.

Conclusion

The AU-EU Youth Action Lab Grant presents a significant opportunity for young leaders in Africa and Europe to secure funding for impactful projects. Whether your focus is on innovative solutions to global issues or strengthening economic prospects for youth, these grants offer substantial financial backing. By meeting the eligibility requirements and submitting a strong application, you can contribute to positive change and bring your vision to fruition. Remember to check the application deadlines and visit the official website for any further details.

Frequently Asked Questions