Introduction
The Council of Europe set up the European Youth Foundation (EYF) to give money for youth activities in Europe to youth organisations in Europe.
It supports cooperation among young people by funding projects that promote peace, understanding, and teamwork, all while respecting human rights, democracy, tolerance, and solidarity.
If you are a member of a youth association or a non-governmental entity read on to find out how to take part in this initiative!
The grants
The European Youth Foundation is giving four types of grants available for different groups:
- International activities grant (open to international, national, regional, NGOs/networks)
- Annual work plans grant (open to international NGOs/networks)
- Pilot activities grant (open to local, national, regional NGOs/networks)
- Structural grants (open to international and regional NGOs/networks)
Also, projects should align with the Council of Europe’s Youth Sector Priorities for 2022/2025, which include these topics:
- Strengthening pluralistic democracy
- Ensuring young people’s access to rights
- Fostering living together in peaceful and inclusive societies
- Supporting youth work
- Promoting intergovernmental cooperation on youth policy.
The projects
Specifically, the following projects and activities are eligible for funding:
A. International Activity
- Involves meetings of young people or youth leaders in Europe to promote participation and intercultural learning.
- Participants must represent at least 7 Council of Europe member states.
- Run by an international team with 4 nationalities represented in the project team.
- EYF covers up to two-thirds of the total cost.
- Maximum grant: €25,000.
B. Annual Work Plan
- Encompasses a series of activities over one year contributing to the same broader aim.
- Each activity/element should contribute to the aim of the work plan, and accomplishments should contribute to the global purpose of the organization.
- Activities support your NGO’s strategy or action plan for the coming years.
- Maximum grant: €60,000.
C. Structural Grant for 2 Consecutive Years
- Granted every 2 years to international non-governmental youth organizations or networks.
- Contribution to cover part of the general administrative costs involved in running European-level activities.
- Maximum annual grant: €30,000 per year for 2 years (total of €60,000).
D. Pilot Activities
- Include various activities like youth meetings, capacity building sessions, awareness raising actions, etc.
- Maximum duration: up to one year.
- Project must start at least 3 months after the deadline.
- Maximum grant: €15,000.
Who can apply?
This is the list of eligible organisations:
- International non-governmental youth organisations
- International networks of youth NGOs
- Regional networks of youth NGOs
- National non-governmental youth organisations
Also, te organisation should be from the European Cultural Convention, including the 46 member states of the Council of Europe plus Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Holy See, and the Russian Federation.
The deadlines
If you want to apply for funding for your project, please consult the official deadlines. Applications sent after the deadline will not be considered.
- April 1 (midnight CET):
- International activities between January 1 and June 30 (1st half of the following year)
- Annual Work plan for the following year
- October 1 (midnight CET):
- International activities between April 1 and December 31 (2nd half of the following year)
- Annual Work plan for the following year
- One-off structural grants for the following year (regional network)
- October 1, 2025 (midnight CET):
- 2-year structural grant for 2026-2027 (international NGOs/networks)
The EYF will not process any new NGO registrations two weeks before the April and October deadlines.
How to participate?
Finally, if you are interested in learning more and would like to submit your application, visit the official website!
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