Deadline Date: February 12, 2026
The Cooperation Grants offer a unique opportunity for youth-led organisations to engage in policy-making and foster cross-continental collaboration between Africa and Europe.
Each grant lasts for 12 months and provides funding of 50,000 euros for consortiums that include at least one African and one European organisation.
Eligible applicants must form a consortium of at least two organisations, with one based in one of twelve eligible African countries — Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia (Somaliland region), Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe — and one established in the European Union. Independent applications are not accepted, as the programme emphasizes collaborative, cross-continental partnerships.
Participating organisations must be non-profits, operating as a Trust, Community-Based Organisation, or Non-Governmental/Civil Society Organisation with a clear social mission. Youth leadership is central, with all governance members aged 18 to 35 and actively involved in decision-making, while over 80% of staff designing and implementing project activities must also be young people.
Projects themselves must be fully youth-led, with all staff working on implementation aged between 18 and 35. In addition, organisations must be formally registered, have a bank account, and maintain a clear governance structure. The coordinating organisation must also demonstrate prior experience in collaborative projects with at least one partner organisation.
This grant provides an exceptional platform for young people to lead meaningful projects, influence policy, and strengthen networks across continents, combining the energy and perspectives of youth with the strategic impact of international partnerships.
