The EU Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF), a groundbreaking initiative launched in October 2023, recently closed its first call for grant proposals, signaling a new era of investment in youth-led projects worldwide. Backed by the European Union and implemented through the Big Six youth organizations, this €10 million pilot program aims to fuel sustainable development at the grassroots level. But the YEF is more than just funding; it’s a paradigm shift in how we empower young changemakers.

Unlike traditional top-down initiatives, the YEF puts young people in the driver’s seat. They’re involved in every step, from selecting which projects receive funding to shaping the program’s overall direction. This youth-led approach ensures that the YEF’s resources are directed towards the most impactful local solutions.

What else sets the YEF apart? It’s designed to break down barriers to funding, offering accessible micro-grants directly to grassroots projects. This model reaches marginalized communities often overlooked by traditional funding sources, fostering a truly diverse pool of youth-led innovation.

But individual empowerment is just the beginning. Recognizing that young people need a seat at the table where decisions are made, the YEF also aims to build bridges between budding leaders and those in positions of power.

The EU Youth Empowerment Fund takes a multi-faceted approach to bridge the gap between young people and those in power. At its heart is the Youth Advisory Board, where young representatives from diverse backgrounds provide direct input on the fund’s strategy and implementation to EU officials and policymakers.

But the dialogue doesn’t stop there. The YEF organizes regular policy dialogues where grant recipients share insights from their work with community leaders and national policymakers. These sessions ensure that youth-led initiatives are not just isolated projects, but catalysts for broader change.

Youth Ambassadors also play a vital role, acting as liaisons between their communities and EU delegations. These young leaders participate in diplomatic events and facilitate connections between grassroots efforts and formal decision-making processes.

The YEF further amplifies youth voices through thematic workshops, annual summits, and even online platforms. These initiatives create diverse spaces where young people can engage directly with decision-makers, fostering understanding and collaboration across generations.

By weaving together these various threads of communication, the YEF creates a vibrant tapestry of dialogue. This approach recognizes that empowering young people isn’t just about funding their projects; it’s about giving them the tools and platforms they need to shape the world around them.

The EU Youth Empowerment Fund is a collaborative powerhouse, fueled by the combined strength of the European Union and six renowned youth organizations:

• World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM)

• World Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Associations (World YMCA)

• World Young Women’s Christian Association (World YWCA)

• World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)

• International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

• The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

These organizations bring a wealth of experience and global reach to the table.

This unique partnership marries the EU’s financial muscle and policy influence with the organizations’ deep-rooted connections to young people around the world. Their collective expertise in youth development, coupled with their vast networks, ensures the fund taps into the grassroots energy and innovative spirit that drive real change. Together, they form a formidable force, poised to unlock the potential of young people worldwide.

• World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM): Known for its emphasis on outdoor education, community service, and leadership development, WOSM brings a focus on empowering young people through practical skills and experiences.

• World Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Associations (World YMCA): With a global network of community centers and programs, the YMCA brings expertise in youth health, education, and social responsibility.

• World Young Women’s Christian Association (World YWCA): Advocating for women’s rights and gender equality, the YWCA brings a focus on empowering young women and girls to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

• World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS): Focused on girl-led programming and empowerment, WAGGGS brings expertise in fostering leadership, self-confidence, and community engagement among girls and young women.

• International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC): With extensive experience in disaster response and humanitarian aid, the IFRC brings a focus on resilience, preparedness, and community-based solutions.

• The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award: Promoting personal development and achievement through challenges and adventures, this program brings expertise in building confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose in young people.

The EU Youth Empowerment Fund is more than just a financial investment; it’s a long-term commitment to nurturing the next generation of changemakers. By fostering leadership skills, creating platforms for dialogue, and fueling grassroots innovation, the YEF is planting the seeds for lasting change.

While the full impact of this initiative will unfold over time, the potential is undeniable. We could see a surge in youth-led projects tackling local challenges head-on, a greater sense of agency among young people, and stronger ties between youth and decision-makers. Ultimately, the YEF’s success may be measured not just in euros invested but in the countless lives it empowers and the communities it helps transform.