604 YOUTH-LED PROJECTS SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES WORLDWIDE RECEIVING FUNDING THROUGH THE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT FUND
Across the globe, 604 youth-led projects reaching an estimated 427,500 people in underserved communities will be awarded €1.2 million through the Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF) via its Youth-led solutions through the Big Six Network’s call. A partnership of the European Union (EU) and Big Six Youth Organizations (Big Six), implemented by the Global Youth Mobilization (GYM) – the YEF supports young people in more than 64 countries and national organizations within the Big Six networks. Through the YEF, young people are mobilized to implement youth-led grassroots projects which address the world’s biggest challenges and accelerate the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
From addressing climate change and gender equality to access to education and employment, the YEF is a powerful initiative that empowers young individuals and groups to imagine, lead, and implement grassroots solutions. The YEF breaks barriers for young people in accessing funding, capacity building, and advocacy spaces and supports the vision, creativity, and leadership of young changemakers working to create lasting impact worldwide.
Funding through the Network Solutions call was provided from the local to district, national and regional levels, empowering young innovators within the Big Six networks to create real positive change in their local communities, especially those from vulnerable, socio-economically disadvantaged, or marginalised backgrounds, including youth with disabilities and those facing gender-related challenges. Funds of €500 – €5000 were granted to local level initiatives, while funds within the range of €10,000- €30,000 were granted to the national and regional level initiatives.
Through both online and offline support, young people are not only granted access to funding but are also equipped with the tools, mentorship, and capacity building needed to turn their ideas into lasting, community-driven impact and with opportunities to amplify their voices on different platforms via their respective Big Six organizations.
Here is a snapshot of how each Big Six organization empowers young people through the Youth Empowerment Fund Network Solutions:
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
The IFRC continues to empower youth innovation at the grassroots level through its flagship initiative – the IFRC Limitless Youth Innovation Academy which runs in four phases. Having supported 1500 projects in Phase 1 (The Innovation Journey), 905 in Phase 2 (Implementing Prototypes and Pilots), and 105 during Phase 3 (Advanced Development), the IFRC Limitless Academy has just awarded 10 top initiatives to receive final funding in Phase 4 (Growing the Ideas). Final awardees will have four months to fully implement their innovation, supported by expert mentors, peer learning communities and training.
Here is a snapshot of a few YEF Network Solutions projects under the IFRC:
Mathew Cedeño – Ecuadorian Red Cross
Level of Funding: Local
Location: Ecuador
Main SDG Addressed: SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
Number of Beneficiaries: 836 people
Project Overview:
This project by the Ecuadorian Red Cross transforms agricultural and organic waste into valuable resources, boosting sustainability and livelihoods in rural communities. A key achievement was developing a method to process banana plant pseudostems into a nutritious, marketable ingredient, now used by 150 families—reducing waste and creating new income sources.
The project also tackled the environmental impact of burning bean waste by converting it into useful products, promoting sustainable farming, and reducing harmful emissions.
Additionally, the project developed a method to process crickets as a low-cost, high-protein food for people to eat and an affordable chicken feed option for farmers. This solution supports food security and sustainable farming. Overall, the project demonstrates how innovative, locally adaptable methods can improve environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and food systems for rural communities.
Nandom Mampak Gideon and Mercy Atsuko – Nigerian Red Cross
Level of Funding: Local
Location: Nigeria
Main SDG Addressed: SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
Number of Beneficiaries: 371 people
Project Overview:
Young volunteers from the Nigerian Red Cross piloted a bio-gas system in a rural community, showcasing how clean energy can drive social and environmental change. By replacing firewood with renewable bio-gas, the project significantly reduced indoor air pollution, improving respiratory health—especially for women and children—and lowering medical costs. Beyond health, the initiative empowered women and spurred social transformation by eliminating the need for firewood collection—freeing time for education, income-generating activities, and community leadership.
The system also produces biofertilizer as a byproduct, which can be used in gardens and farms to improve soil fertility and crop yields. This organic alternative reduces reliance on harmful chemical fertilizers, and families can now grow more nutritious food, enhancing diets and contributing to better health outcomes.
Through an integrated approach to a single, sustainable solution, this project led by the young volunteers at the Nigerian Red Cross addresses multiple challenges—energy poverty, environmental degradation, and poor health—and empowers the community to build resilience and shape its own future.
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)
WAGGGS is advancing youth-led impact through two robust funding cycles, reaching 21 Member Organizations, with 3 more on the cusp of joining. Their approach emphasizes continuous learning and connection. Awardees share insights through peer learning spaces, mentoring clinics, and WhatsApp support groups, while tracking progress via detailed reporting tools. Upcoming months will focus on mentorship and thematic engagement, helping young leaders translate their bold ideas into meaningful, measurable action that uplifts girls and young women across communities.
Here are some examples of Network Solutions projects under WAGGGS:
Empowering Youth for Climate Action
Level of Funding: National
Location: Uganda
Main SDG Addressed: SDG 13 – Climate Action
Number of Beneficiaries: 6000 people
Project Overview:
In southwestern Uganda’s Nakivale Refugee Settlement—one of Africa’s oldest and largest—refugees face urgent environmental and socio-economic challenges, including deforestation, land degradation, and limited access to sustainable resources. In response, the Uganda Girl Guides Association (UGGA) launched a youth-led climate initiative empowering residents aged 14 to 30 with practical skills and knowledge to become environmental leaders.
Through hands-on training and workshops, youth are learning to implement local climate solutions such as reforestation, rainwater harvesting, renewable energy use, and sustainable farming techniques to enhance food security and restore the environment.
To ensure long-term impact, UGGA collaborates with local organizations, community leaders, and government agencies like the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). These partnerships are embedding environmental stewardship into community values and decision-making processes.
This initiative not only addresses environmental degradation but also promotes youth empowerment, social inclusion, and community resilience. By equipping young people with the tools to lead, UGGA is helping transform Nakivale into a model of grassroots climate action—proving that even in challenging contexts, youth-led solutions can drive lasting change.
AFIMA
Level of Funding: National
Location: Côte d’Ivoire
Main SDG Addressed: SDG 4 – Quality Education
Number of Beneficiaries: 2800 people
Project Overview:
In Côte d’Ivoire, children with disabilities face major educational barriers, including limited access to Braille materials, audiobooks, and inclusive teaching methods. To address this, the Association des Guides Catholiques de Côte d’Ivoire launched an inclusive library in Abidjan that welcomes both disabled and able-bodied children.
The inclusive space offers a wide range of educational resources—traditional books, Braille, audiobooks, and digital tools like screen readers and sound amplifiers. Where possible, the library is mobile—extending its reach to children across different communities.
Rooted in equity and inclusion, the project fosters a shared learning space that breaks down stigma, boosts confidence among children with disabilities, and raises community awareness. Young members of the Association are leading the way—undergoing training in diversity, library organisation, event planning, and advocacy as they gather and curate educational materials for the library. Their leadership and commitment are key to ensuring that the space is not only resource-rich but also welcoming and empowering.
The initiative supports several Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education (SDG 4), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), good health and well-being (SDG 3), sustainable communities (SDG 11), and partnerships (SDG 17). Through this project, the Association is empowering all children—regardless of ability—with the tools, confidence, and support to thrive.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (The Award)
The Award has launched its YEF Network Solutions call for applications and successfully disbursed Round 1 funding to two promising national-level projects. Selection of Round 2 applications has been completed and different implementation modalities are being explored. Projects accepted by The Award involve Youth from end-to-end. From design and application, through to the review by The Award, implementation and being the focus stakeholder. The Award provides personalised support sessions, project planning capacity-building, and regular check-ins for its awardees. Round 3 funding is in the first stages of preparation.
These are some of The Award’s selected projects under YEF Network Solutions:
Tishange- Let’s Plant Trees!
Level of Funding: Local
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Main SDG Addressed: SDG 13 – Climate Action
Number of Beneficiaries: 300 young people + 820 people of all ages
Project Overview:
“Tishange” is a youth-led tree planting and climate change sensitization initiative in Zambia, focused on tackling drought and desertification through reforestation and environmental education. The project involves students from three secondary schools—Kabulonga Boys School for the Differently Abled, David Kaunda STEM Secondary School, and Holy Cross Secondary School—who will lead the design and implementation of the initiative.
Key activities include planting trees (with a focus on fruit-bearing species), selecting suitable sites, and ensuring long-term tree maintenance. The initiative also features educational workshops and community outreach to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainable land practices. Additionally, students receive leadership, environmental management, and advocacy training, supported by climate change experts’ mentorship, helping them build critical skills for future climate action.
Ensuring Inclusive & Quality Education for young people with Disabilities
Level of Funding: Local
Location: Accra, Ghana
Main SDG Addressed: SDG 4 – Quality Education
Number of Beneficiaries: 100 young people living with disabilities
Project Overview:
This 12-month project, set to run in Accra from January to December 2025, aims to improve access to inclusive, quality education and employment opportunities for young people with disabilities (PWDs), with a focus on girls. Recognizing the systemic barriers PWDs face, the initiative emphasizes non-formal education, skills development, and mentorship to build resilience and support sustainable livelihoods.
Key components include delivering an Award Framework for 100 youth with disabilities, incorporating voluntary service, skills training, physical recreation, and adventurous journeys. The project also focuses on policy advocacy, collaborating with policymakers and advocacy groups to promote inclusive education policies and secure funding.
Additionally, the initiative provides capacity building and skills training for youth, educators, and administrators, alongside the creation of mentorship programs. Through the project, resource improvement such as accessibility audits and provision of adaptive technologies will enhance learning environments for PWDs, while inclusive community events will help combat stigma and promote social integration. By combining education, empowerment, and advocacy, this initiative seeks to create lasting change and foster a more inclusive society where young people with disabilities can thrive.
World Scouting is spearheading 20 youth-led initiatives through its global network of National Scout Organizations (NSOs), with funding fully allocated across themes like climate action, mental health, life skills, and gender equality. Scouting’s commitment to action is as strong as ever—empowering youth with the skills and resources they need to shape resilient and thriving communities.
Below are a few YEF Network Solutions projects under World Scouting:
Resilient Communities: Fiji Scouts for Inclusion, Climate Action and Disaster Preparedness
Level of Funding: National
Location: Fiji
Main SDG Addressed: SDG 13 – Climate Action
Number of Beneficiaries: 5,450 people
Project Overview:
This youth-led project will empower over 2,000 young people across Fiji—including more than 500 persons with disabilities—to lead climate action and strengthen disaster resilience. Through district-level training, school outreach, rural engagement, and inclusive community-based preparedness strategies, the project aims to build a more informed and climate-ready generation.
Implementation will focus on Fiji’s Western and Eastern Divisions, in close partnership with the National Disaster Management Office. The initiative will also include school-based interventions to foster environmental awareness and resilience among students, ensuring youth are central to climate response efforts.
Building on previous climate change awareness activities delivered through Messengers of Peace community projects, this initiative continues to promote youth leadership in environmental action. Rooted in World Scouting’s global vision, the program emphasizes peacebuilding, inclusion, and community engagement—empowering young people to create positive, sustainable change at both local and national levels.
Supporting South and Central Albanian Youth through Scouting
Level of Funding: National
Location: Albania
Main SDG Addressed: SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
Number of Beneficiaries: 1,170 people
Project Overview:
This youth-led initiative aims to empower rural youth to become agents of change by leading community-based initiatives that address local Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) challenges. Through a combination of training, mentorship, and inclusive youth leadership development, participants will implement impactful actions focused on climate resilience, environmental protection, and gender equality—fostering civic engagement and strengthening rural communities.
The project strongly emphasizes engaging rural youth, particularly in designing and executing projects that integrate gender equality with climate action. Building on the successful legacy of youth-led environmental and gender-focused initiatives in northern Albania, this initiative brings that momentum to the south and central regions.
A key project component is a participatory workshop involving 40 youth, providing hands-on training in community development, youth engagement, and inclusive leadership. Rooted in the values and methodology of Scouting, the project aligns with broader youth empowerment and growth strategies, equipping participants with the tools to lead sustainable, community-driven transformation across Albania.
World Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Associations (World YMCA)
The World YMCA is nurturing a new wave of youth-led initiatives, having funded six national-level projects and one regional-level project from its first call. A second round of funding is now underway and targets at least 13 new awards in 2025. Through the YEF Network Solutions, the YMCA is providing essential capacity building and resources for youth-led initiatives that are responding to the needs of focus communities, while also advancing the achievement of the SDGs. Through quarterly check-ins, and tailored guidance for implementation and reporting, awardees are already forging ahead with impactful work. Capacity building activities and leadership development are central to the YMCA’s model, ensuring that each project— will lead lasting transformation.
These are a few of the YEF Network Solutions projects under World YMCA:
YMCA Cameroon Recycling Unit
Level of Funding: District
Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon
Main SDG Addressed: SDG 13 – Climate Action
Number of Beneficiaries: 1,200 young people
Project Overview:
The project aims to reduce plastic pollution in the city of Yaoundé and change people’s behaviors on waste management in the city. The project will establish a small recycling unit to serve the community surrounding the National Office. In addition, the YMCA will conduct waste management training in at least 20 schools in the city and support them to develop a waste management system and increase their knowledge on SDGs.
YMCA LAC Youth Mental Health Program, Eleva
Level of Funding: Regional
Location: Honduras, Mexico, Peru
Main SDG Addressed: SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing
Number of Beneficiaries: 1,510 young people
Project Overview:
Eleva is a transformative initiative in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on youth mental health and well-being. It employs a community-based and participatory approach to prevent mental health disorders and combat stigma. The project empowers youth aged 14-30 from vulnerable populations, including survivors of domestic violence, indigenous and migrant communities, and the LGBTQ+ community. Through youth-led activities, Eleva aims to enhance mental health awareness, develop skills, and promote inclusivity, with a strong emphasis on gender justice and digital literacy.
World Young Women’s Christian Association (World YWCA)
The World YWCA is amplifying youth voices and deepening impact by fostering bold, grassroots-driven transformative leadership among girls, young women, and women worldwide. From its first round of funding, the World YWCA has mobilized all seven awardees at the national level and is currently preparing for a second round of funding. Through intergenerational leadership, strategic communication, and resource sharing, the World YWCA is championing young women’s active engagement in leadership, advocacy, and innovation contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals aligned to the Goal 2035 of World YWCA.
Here are some YEF Network Solutions projects selected by World YWCA:
EmpowerHer: Young Women Leading Climate Action for a Sustainable Future
Level of Funding: National
Location: Albania
Main SDG Addressed: SDG 13 – Climate Action
Number of Beneficiaries: 90 young women
Project Overview:
The project aims to empower 90 young women in Albania by providing them with the RiseUp! Leadership Guide, project management, and environmental advocacy skills. These women will lead 6 Local Solutions projects focusing on environmental sustainability and also raise awareness within their communities about climate change and gender equality.
YWCA Young Women as Gender Responsive Climate Advocates: YWCA of India Flagship Programme
Level of Funding: National
Location: India
Main SDG Addressed: SDG 13 – Climate Action
Number of Beneficiaries: 350 young women
Project Overview:
This project aims to empower 350 young women with leadership training and advocacy tools focused on climate action and gender justice. Through a combination of in-person and virtual workshops, these young women will develop the skills to lead climate action Local Solutions in their communities. It targets young women from marginalized, rural, slum, tribal, and semi-urban communities, as well as underrepresented groups.
BACKGROUND
The Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF) is a partnership between the European Union (EU) and the Big Six Youth Organisations (Big Six). Delivered through the Global Youth Mobilization (GYM), the €10 million Youth Empowerment Fund provides resources for young people globally to advance the objectives of Agenda 2030 in line with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. With a focus on creating accessible opportunities for young people, including those from marginalized and under-represented groups, it aims to reduce traditional funding barriers young people face and provide capacity-building support to enable young people to make a real impact in their local communities.
The European Union’s initiatives for and with youth globally are directed by the Youth Action Plan (YAP) in EU External Action for 2022-2027. This plan, the first of its kind, establishes a strategic partnership framework with young people worldwide. It highlights the importance of youth as catalysts for change and essential partners in realising the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other international commitments such as the Paris Agreement on climate change. The YAP aims to ensure that EU External Action contributes to youth empowerment politically, socially, and economically while facilitating their meaningful involvement in decision-making and policy formulation around the globe. The Youth Empowerment Fund is one of the key actions that support young people.
The Global Youth Mobilization (GYM) – launched by the Big Six in 2020, invested over US$5 million in 640 youth-led projects, engaging more than 600,000 young people and impacting over 3.6 million people in more than 125 countries between 2020 and 2022. Through the funding of the Youth Empowerment Fund, the GYM will continue to support young people globally.
The Big Six Youth Organizations, formed in 1996, is an alliance of leading international youth-serving organisations. The alliance includes World Scouting, the World Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Associations (World YMCA), the World Alliance of Young Women’s Christian Associations (World YWCA), the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (The Award). Collectively, the Big Six engage over 250 million young people, contributing to the empowerment of more than one billion young individuals over the last Century.