The Youth Action Lab Innovation Grants 2026 are providing funding support to youth-led organisations developing innovative solutions to challenges affecting young people and communities.
The programme supports organisations that want to create new approaches, adapt existing solutions, scale successful initiatives, or improve programmes through evidence, feedback, and learning.
Selected organisations will receive financial support, mentorship, capacity development opportunities, and access to networks of youth leaders, decision-makers, and stakeholders across Africa and Europe.
Grant Amount
Successful applicants can receive:
- Up to €42,000 in funding
- Project implementation period of 12 months
- Implementation period: January to December 2027
Beyond funding, selected organisations will benefit from:
- Mentorship support
- Capacity-building opportunities
- Knowledge-sharing activities
- Networking with youth organisations and stakeholders across Africa and Europe
About the Youth Action Lab Innovation Grants
The programme supports youth-led organisations working on innovative responses to global challenges through locally relevant and sustainable solutions.
Innovation does not only mean creating a completely new idea or technology. Eligible projects can focus on:
- Designing and testing a new approach
- Adapting successful solutions to local communities
- Scaling proven initiatives to reach more people
- Improving existing programmes using research, evidence, and feedback
The programme encourages projects that address challenges affecting young people, including:
- Youth unemployment
- Education access
- Gender inequality
- Disability inclusion
- Socioeconomic challenges
- Community development
Priority Areas
Projects should demonstrate meaningful innovation and impact, particularly those using an intersectional approach that considers how different experiences affect young people’s opportunities.
Priority may be given to initiatives led by:
- Marginalised communities
- Young women
- Youth-focused organisations addressing social challenges
Eligibility Criteria
The grant opportunity is open to:
- Youth-led nonprofit organisations
- NGOs
- Civil society organisations
- Trusts
- Community-based organisations
Applicants must:
- Be formally registered organisations
- Have a clear social mission
- Be youth-led, with young people aged 18–35 holding primary decision-making roles
- Conduct activities in eligible African Youth Action Lab focus countries
Eligible Countries
Organisations must be based and registered in one of the following countries:
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Mozambique
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia (Somaliland region)
- Tanzania
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Projects must take place in one or more of these eligible countries.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 23 September 2026
Applicants should review the funding manual carefully before submitting their proposals.
Applications are submitted through the official ON Grip Application System.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for:
- Youth organisations
- Community development groups
- NGOs supporting young people
- Social entrepreneurs
- Civil society organisations
- Youth-led initiatives addressing local challenges
Organisations with innovative ideas that create measurable impact for young people are encouraged to apply.
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