The AU-EU Youth Action Lab Innovation Grant 2026 is inviting applications from youth-led organisations in 12 eligible African countries.
The grant supports youth-led organisations developing, testing, adapting, scaling, or improving innovative approaches to global challenges. Innovation does not necessarily mean technology. It can include a new or improved activity, approach, campaign, collaboration, or solution that creates positive and lasting change.
The grant is part of the third and final call of the AU-EU Youth Action Lab, an initiative co-funded by the European Union and implemented through a partnership including Oxfam, Restless Development Uganda, and the European Youth Forum.
At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | AU-EU Youth Action Lab Innovation Grant |
| Program Type | Youth-led Organisational Grant |
| Funding | €42,000 |
| Number of Grants | 13 |
| Project Duration | 12 Months |
| Implementation Period | January–December 2027 |
| Eligible Countries | 12 African countries |
| Applicant Type | Youth-led organisations |
| Youth Age Requirement | 18–35 |
| Application Platform | ON Grip |
| Application Deadline | 23 September 2026, 13:00 CAT |
About the Opportunity
The AU-EU Youth Action Lab provides funding and support to youth-led organisations working to address global challenges and create positive change in their communities.
The Innovation Grant is designed for organisations that have an innovative approach or solution that can be developed, tested, adapted, scaled, or improved. The approach may be social, environmental, economic, community-based, organisational, or collaborative.
Innovation does not have to involve digital technology. An organisation can demonstrate innovation through a new way of addressing an existing problem, improving an existing approach, developing a new campaign, creating a new partnership model, or adapting a successful solution to a different context.
What Does the Grant Offer?
Selected organisations will receive a grant of €42,000 to implement a 12-month project from January to December 2027.
A total of 13 Innovation Grants will be awarded under this call.
In addition to financial support, selected organisations can benefit from capacity development, mentorship, peer learning, networking, and opportunities to engage with other youth-led organisations and stakeholders through the wider AU-EU Youth Action Lab.
The selected organisation will be responsible for implementing its approved project, managing the grant expenditure, conducting activities, and completing monitoring and reporting requirements.
Who Should Apply?
The opportunity is intended for youth-led organisations working on innovative responses to challenges affecting young people, communities, and society.
It may be relevant to organisations working in areas such as:
- Youth empowerment
- Climate and environmental action
- Education and skills development
- Social innovation
- Economic opportunities
- Community development
- Inclusive development
- Youth participation and leadership
- Other areas addressing global challenges
Eligible Countries
The Innovation Grant is open to eligible organisations in the following 12 African countries:
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Mozambique
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia (Somaliland region)
- Tanzania
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
Zimbabwe
Eligibility Criteria
Applicant organisations must generally:
- Be a non-profit organisation
- Be formally registered in an eligible country
- Operate as an eligible youth-led organisation such as a CBO, NGO, CSO, or Trust
- Have an organisational bank account
- Have a clear governance structure
- Have 100% of governance and primary decision-makers aged 18–35
- Have more than 80% of people directly involved in designing and carrying out activities aged 18–35
- Have 100% of staff directly implementing the proposed project aged 18–35
- Implement the proposed activities in one or more eligible countries
The proposed project should also demonstrate a clear innovative approach and potential to create positive and lasting change.
Important Funding Rules
Applicants should carefully review the funding manual before preparing their proposal.
The grant amount is fixed at €42,000. Applicants cannot request a different amount.
An organisation can apply for only one grant opportunity and one project during this funding round. Therefore, organisations must choose between the Innovation Grant (€42,000) and the Entrepreneurship Grant (€31,500).
Required Application Information
Applicants should prepare information about:
- The organisation and its governance structure
- Youth leadership and participation
- The proposed project
- The problem or challenge being addressed
- The innovative approach
- Planned activities
- Expected results and impact
- Project budget
- Monitoring and reporting arrangements
Applicants should consult the official Funding Manual and application guidance for the complete list of requirements.
How to Apply
Follow these steps:
- Review the official AU-EU Youth Action Lab Innovation Grant information.
- Read the relevant Funding Manual carefully.
- Confirm that your organisation meets the eligibility requirements.
- Develop an innovative project responding to a clearly identified challenge.
- Prepare the project proposal and budget.
- Register or access the application through the ON Grip platform.
- Complete all required sections and upload the requested documents.
- Review the application carefully.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Please note that once an application has been submitted, it cannot be revised or modified.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is:
23 September 2026 at 13:00 Central African Time (CAT).
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline because late applications will not be considered.
Ready to Apply?
If your youth-led organisation is formally registered in Somalia (Somaliland region) and has an innovative approach to addressing a social, environmental, economic, or community challenge, review the official grant requirements and prepare your application before the deadline.
APPLY NOW
