Call for Interest: World YWCA: EU Youth Empowerment Fund Powered by Global Youth Mobilization

Subissmion of Expression of Interest for Network Solutions Grants

YEF- GYM 2.0 Round 2

The World YWCA is excited to announce a “Call for Interest” for the Network Solutions arm of the partnership with the European Commission and the Big Six youth organisations, supporting youth-led solutions that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the EU Youth Empowerment Fund. The fund aims to empower young people to tackle community challenges and contribute to the SDGs. In Round 1 of this funding, seven (7) YWCA National Associations were awarded funding in a pool of 604 entities being funded globally across Big Six Youth Organisations. You can read more about these ongoing projects on our social media and website. 


You are invited to submit an Expression of Interest outlining your plans to engage young women in this groundbreaking initiative. After you are selected, World YWCA will invite you to co-create your application, budget, and work plan. 


This is an opportunity to centre young women’s engagement through leadership, advocacy, and innovation, contributing to not just the SDGs but also the broader goal of the World YWCA,  Goal 2035. This is aligned to our Strategic Framework 2024-27.


What is the EU Youth Empowerment Fund?

The EU Youth Empowerment Fund provides grants to young people for projects that address local challenges and contribute to the SDGs. This is powered by the Big Six’s Global Youth Mobilization initiative, initiated in 2020. The World YWCA, as part of the Big Six network, offers an exciting opportunity for YWCAs to play a key role in supporting young women in leading the change they want to see in the world.

Eligible countries:

Albania, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, India, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Thailand, Togo, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Who can apply?

This Call for Interest is open to all YWCA entities, including World YWCA-affiliated National Member Associations, Local Member Associations, and YWCA youth Alumni Leaders from eligible countries. We encourage YWCAs with a strong track record of youth engagement and experience working on issues aligned with the SDGs to apply.

Closing date for Expression of Interest: 26 September 2025

Reference: #YEFRound2Proposal <Name of Association/Name of Individual+Country>

Funding Tiers:

Please note this funding is only available to applicants in the eligible countries mentioned above.

To read the full Call for Interest click on the links below: