The Youth Solidarity Fund (YSF) presents an exceptional opportunity for youth-led organizations to create meaningful impact through initiatives that promote peace, inclusion, and cross-cultural understanding. Offering grants of up to USD 25,000, the program supports innovative projects that foster dialogue among diverse communities, address discrimination, counter hate speech and extremism, and build social cohesion. It is particularly focused on organizations led by young people between the ages of 18 and 35 who have a strong track record of community engagement and who are based in countries eligible for development assistance.
To apply successfully, it is essential that your organization is not only youth-focused but also youth-led, with leadership and decision-making roles held by individuals within the eligible age range. In addition to submitting a project proposal, applicants are required to provide supporting documents that establish their organization’s legal registration, a breakdown of its leadership structure with age demographics, and professional profiles of key project staff. These documents help confirm the organization’s readiness to implement and manage the project effectively.
Your proposal should clearly outline how your project promotes intercultural or interfaith dialogue. Strong proposals typically define the specific problem being addressed, describe the planned activities in detail, and demonstrate how those activities will bring together people from different cultural, ethnic, or religious backgrounds. Whether through community events, workshops, educational campaigns, or storytelling initiatives, the project should emphasize interaction, learning, and bridge-building. A well-structured plan will also align with broader goals such as promoting youth leadership, advancing gender equality, and contributing to peace and security.
Budget planning is another critical part of the application. The proposal should include a clear and realistic financial plan that allocates the majority of the funding to programming costs. Keep personnel costs modest and avoid large capital expenses, as the fund prioritizes direct community engagement over equipment or infrastructure. The project timeline should span no more than 12 months, with key milestones that show how the initiative will unfold and achieve its intended outcomes.
To stand out, applicants should highlight how their project will reach and benefit marginalized or underserved youth populations. Projects with a multiplier effect—those that generate awareness, empower community members, or create sustainable tools and partnerships—tend to be viewed more favorably. Including a plan for monitoring and evaluation shows that you are committed to measuring the project’s impact and learning from the process.
In addition to funding, selected projects receive mentorship and capacity-building support, which can be a valuable asset in enhancing project design, implementation, and long-term sustainability. This added guidance can help your organization grow beyond the life of the grant and continue driving positive change.
The application deadline is firm, and early preparation is key. Ensure your documents are complete, your narrative is compelling, and your objectives are clear and achievable. Take the time to polish your proposal, double-check all submission requirements, and ensure your application reflects your team’s dedication and the urgency of the issue you aim to address. With careful planning, authentic storytelling, and a clear focus on impact, your organization can become part of a global network of youth-led efforts advancing peace and solidarity across cultures.
