Quick Facts
· Grant size: USD 2,000–2,500 per project
· Number of projects: 4 (pilot round)
· Who can apply: Youth-led organizations & groups in Africa & South Asia
· Timeline: Launch 2025 → Projects in 2026 → Showcase at COP17 (Mongolia)
· Focus areas: Water access, drought resilience, sanitation, and awareness
Program Overview
The Youth4Water Grants aim to empower young people and youth-led organizations across Africa and South Asia to implement innovative, community-driven water initiatives. By combining the reach of the UNCCD Youth Caucus and the resources of Protectol’s Water Initiative, this program supports youth solutions at the intersection of clean water, community resilience, and sustainable development.
Objectives
· Support youth-led solutions for clean and safe water access.
· Strengthen youth organizations’ capacity to design and deliver impactful projects.
· Promote awareness on hydration, sanitation, and sustainable water use.
· Contribute to achieving SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and related goals.
Eligibility Criteria
· Be a youth-led organization or group (majority of leadership under 35).
· Operate in Africa or South Asia.1
· Focus on water access, sanitation, or community awareness.
· Be legally registered OR show strong community recognition (letters of support accepted).
· Commit to implement within 1–2 months after selection.
· Encourage inclusivity (gender balance, youth from marginalized or rural communities).
Organizations accredited to the UNCCD or affiliated with the UNCCD Youth Caucus will be given preference. Accreditation is not mandatory for this pilot round. Interested organizations may apply for UNCCD accreditation here: https://www.unccd.int/convention/partners/civil-society-organizations/accreditation
Note: Selected applicants will be required to provide registration documents (or community endorsement), detailed quotations, and bank account details before funding is disbursed.
Grant Scope & Support
Each selected project will receive:
· Financial support: USD 2,000–2,500.
· Technical & communication support: Protectol will provide branding, design, and visibility resources.
· Recognition & storytelling: Projects will be featured on Protectol Impact & UNCCD Youth channels.
Funding will only be transferred after submission of required documents by selected applicants.
Acceptable Expenses
ü Local infrastructure (wells, filtration units, rainwater systems)
ü Materials for awareness campaigns & training sessions
ü Community mobilization & engagement costs
ü Transportation for project-related activities
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Not covered: staff salaries, administrative overheads, or unrelated equipment.
Selection Process
· Call for Applications → Announcement & online form
· Review → Joint screening by Protectol & UYC team
· Shortlisting → Based on eligibility, feasibility, impact potential
· Final Selection → 4 projects confirmed jointly
Selected applicants will be notified by email within 3–4 weeks of submission
Selection Criteria (with Scoring Weightage)
· Relevance (20%) – Project addresses water, sanitation, awareness needs.
· Impact (25%) – Potential to reach communities + create measurable outcomes.
· Youth Leadership (20%) – Meaningful youth engagement in decision-making.
· Feasibility (15%) – Realistic, achievable within 1–2 months.
· Sustainability (10%) – Potential for continued benefit beyond grant period.
· Diversity (10%) – Regional balance, gender inclusivity, rural representation.
Timeline (2025–2026)
· September 2025 → MoU signing & Program Launch
· October–December 2025 → Call for Applications open
· Rolling Review → Selection within 3–4 weeks of each submission
· 2026 (Early) → Projects implemented (1–2 months each)
· August 2026 → Outcomes showcased at UNCCD COP17, Mongolia
Communication & Visibility
· All projects co-branded as Youth4Water Grants by Protectol & UNCCD Youth Caucus.
· Grantees must use official logos on visibility materials.
· Protectol will provide media & design support.
· Impact stories will be shared via Protectol Impact & UYC platforms.
Monitoring & Reporting
· Grantees submit short narrative & photo updates during and after implementation.
· Final 2–3 page report (template provided later) required.
· Protectol & UYC will compile a joint impact brief highlighting results & story.
Click HERE to Apply
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Disclaimer: Edfrica does not have direct influence nor guarantee the outcome of this application following the support you receive from us
