The Youth Solidarity Fund (YSF) 2025, managed by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), is a prestigious international grant program designed to support youth-led organizations committed to fostering peaceful, inclusive, and intercultural societies. Now in its 11th edition, this fund seeks to empower young changemakers who are tackling complex social challenges through innovative, grassroots-level projects focused on interfaith dialogue, intercultural understanding, and peacebuilding.
YSF offers seed funding of up to $25,000 to selected youth-led, registered non-profit organizations whose projects are directly aligned with UNAOC’s mandate and global priorities. These priorities include preventing violent extremism, combating hate speech, protecting religious sites, advancing gender equality, and promoting social inclusion, especially among marginalized groups. The fund’s core vision is to elevate youth as key agents of change in their communities and create resilient societies through locally-driven initiatives.
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Since its launch in 2008, the Youth Solidarity Fund has invested over $2.5 million in more than 80 youth-led projects across 43 countries, directly reaching more than 3.4 million individuals. The fund plays a critical role in filling the financial and capacity gaps faced by youth organizations, especially in developing countries, enabling them to implement projects that would otherwise lack funding. These projects span across themes like intercultural learning, refugee inclusion, religious tolerance, countering radicalization, and supporting gender equality in peacebuilding processes.
The fund specifically targets organizations based in Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible countries, as classified by the OECD-DAC list. The fund encourages inclusive and gender-balanced participation and seeks to promote youth-led solutions that are sustainable, measurable, and replicable. The grant’s scope is global, with a specific focus on local implementation. Projects must be designed and executed by young people aged 18–35, with a demonstrated history of successful implementation and a solid management structure.
YSF-supported initiatives are expected to be implemented over a period of 12 months, with a clear timeline and well-defined goals. In addition to funding, UNAOC provides successful applicants with capacity-building opportunities, visibility, and a global platform to scale their impact. The selected organizations will also receive support with reporting and monitoring, ensuring that their work aligns with UNAOC’s thematic frameworks and United Nations priorities such as UN Security Council Resolutions 2250, 2419, and 2535 on Youth, Peace, and Security; Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security; and the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech.
The application process for YSF 2025 is fully online and must be completed in English. Organizations must submit required documentation, including proof of registration, governance structure, statutes or by-laws, the CV and ID of the project coordinator (who must be aged 18–35), and a detailed proposal with a budget. At least 90% of the budget must go toward direct project implementation, with a maximum of 10% allocated to the project coordinator’s salary. Overhead costs such as rent, utilities, and office expenses are not eligible for funding. Additionally, the total grant requested must not exceed 50% of the organization’s total operating budget for the year 2024.
UNAOC encourages applicants to propose creative and inclusive approaches that build bridges among communities, reduce stereotypes, and increase social cohesion. Proposals must be original and relevant to the specific cultural context of the region in which the project will be carried out. UNAOC values projects that have strong community involvement and offer long-term impact beyond the funding cycle. Preference will be given to projects that incorporate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess their success and sustainability.
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Applications will undergo a two-phase evaluation process: eligibility screening followed by a comprehensive programmatic assessment. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to revise their proposals and participate in interviews. The final decision is expected to be communicated within six to eight months of the deadline. All funded projects are expected to be completed within 12 months of receiving the grant, with final reports due one month after project completion.
This initiative not only provides critical funding but also positions successful applicants as global youth leaders within the UNAOC network. The Youth Solidarity Fund thus serves as a launchpad for many organizations to gain international recognition, forge partnerships, and amplify their voices in shaping more tolerant and peaceful societies. Whether addressing ethnic tensions, promoting religious coexistence, or supporting marginalized youth, YSF enables young people to transform their ideas into action.
The 2025 call for applications provides an extraordinary opportunity for eligible organizations to receive both financial and strategic support. As the world continues to face increasing polarization and violence, programs like the Youth Solidarity Fund play an essential role in empowering the next generation of peacebuilders. By investing in youth-led solutions, UNAOC reinforces its commitment to fostering cultures of peace, justice, and equality worldwide.
Name of Organizer
Requirement/Eligibility
- Organization must be youth-led, with majority leadership aged 18–35.
- Must be a non-profit, non-governmental organization or national youth council.
- Organization must be officially registered and operational for at least two years as of June 2023.
- Organization must be based in and implement its project in an ODA-eligible country.
- Project must be youth-designed and youth-implemented, targeting youth as primary beneficiaries.
- Project must align with UNAOC’s thematic focus on peacebuilding, intercultural dialogue, or prevention of violent extremism.
- The project coordinator must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
- Application and supporting documents must be submitted in English.
- Requested grant amount must not exceed 50% of the organization’s total annual budget for 2024.
- Organizations previously funded by YSF or the Intercultural Innovation Hub are not eligible to apply.
Grant Amount
Up to $25,000 per selected organization
Deadline
August 15, 2025
Apply Now
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