At Eco Advocate, we are passionate about supporting initiatives that empower young changemakers to drive impactful solutions for a better world. Today, we’re excited to share an incredible opportunity for youth-led organizations across Africa and Europe: the AU-EU Youth Action Lab Grants.
This transformative initiative, launched by the AU-EU Youth Lab Programme, is designed to provide financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities to young innovators, entrepreneurs, and advocates. Suppose you’re working on projects that address global challenges like climate resilience, youth participation, economic empowerment, or policy advocacy. In that case, this is your chance to take your work to the next level.
What is the AU-EU Youth Action Lab?
The AU-EU Youth Action Lab is a dynamic platform that connects young leaders from Africa and Europe, enabling them to share ideas, collaborate, and influence policy decisions at local and international levels. Through its grants program, the Youth Action Lab aims to amplify the impact of youth-led initiatives and foster cross-continental collaboration.
Grant Categories and Opportunities
The Youth Action Lab offers four types of grants to support projects at different stages of development:
- Innovation Grants (€30,000–€50,000): For designing, testing, or scaling new solutions to global challenges such as climate resilience and youth participation.
- Entrepreneurship Grants (€30,000–€50,000): To support skills development and economic opportunities for youth entrepreneurs.
- Representation Grants (€10,000–€20,000): To amplify the voices of marginalized youth in policy discussions.
- Cooperation Grants (€50,000): For partnerships between African and European organizations to foster cross-continental collaboration.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Youth-led organizations where decision-makers are aged 18 to 35.
- Legally registered in one of the 12 African countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somaliland, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe) or an EU member state.
- Propose projects with clear governance structures and measurable social impact.
Key Dates and Application Process
The application window is open from January to March 2025, with specific deadlines for each grant category:
- Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Representation Grants: 19 February 2025.
- Cooperation Grants: 16 March 2025.
To apply, follow these steps:
- Read the Funding Manual (available in English, French, and Portuguese).
- Develop a project proposal as an individual organization or in collaboration with others.
- Submit your application by the relevant deadline.
For a detailed guide on how to submit your application, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXfjea01zMk.
Upcoming Webinars for Applicants
To help applicants prepare strong proposals, the Youth Action Lab will host a series of webinars in January and February 2025. These sessions will provide valuable insights into project development and answer any questions about the grants:
- Cooperation Grants Webinars: 28th, 29th, 30th January 2025.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship Webinars: Proposed date, 5 February 2025 (to be confirmed).
- Representation Webinars: Date to be announced.
- Final Proposal Tips: 18th, 19th, 20th February 2025.
Why This Matters
Young people are at the forefront of driving change in their communities and beyond. By supporting youth-led initiatives, the AU-EU Youth Action Lab is not only investing in innovative solutions but also empowering the next generation of leaders to shape a more sustainable and equitable future.
At Eco Advocate, we believe that youth empowerment is key to achieving global sustainability goals. This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential of young people to create meaningful impact.
How to Apply and Learn More
Ready to take the first step? Visit the official AU-EU Youth Action Lab website at https://aueuyouth.com to access the application form, funding manual, and additional resources.
For any inquiries, feel free to contact the AU-EU Youth Action Lab team at action.lab@aueuyouth.com.
Spread the Word!
If you know a youth-led organization or a young changemaker with a vision for a better world, share this opportunity with them. Together, we can amplify the impact of youth-driven solutions and build a brighter future for all.
Let’s empower the next generation of leaders to take action and create the change we wish to see. Apply for the AU-EU Youth Action Lab Grants today and be part of the movement for a sustainable and inclusive future!
Stay tuned to Eco Advocate for more updates on youth-led initiatives and opportunities to make a difference.
#YouthEmpowerment #Sustainability #AU_EUYouthLab #EcoAdvocate #Changemakers
Disclaimer: This blog post is based on the press release provided by the AU-EU Youth Action Lab. For official information, please refer to their website or contact their team directly.