Eligible applicants include civil society organisations (CSOs), NGOs, associations, cooperatives, youth collectives, community networks, and MSMEs/start‑ups that are legally registered, serve a public‑interest purpose, and operate on a non‑profit basis.

Yes. Proof of legal registration or incorporation is mandatory. Where applicable, and depending on the national legal context, an official receipt confirming that the registration application was submitted at least one (1) year before the submission deadline may be accepted. The evaluation committee reserves the right to determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether such documentation is sufficient under the applicable national legal framework . Unregistered groups are not eligible unless they partner with a registered organisation.

Yes. Organisations must have at least one year of existence prior to the submission deadline

At least 75% of governance body members must be aged 18–30, with a list disaggregated by sex and age provide

At least 75% of project beneficiaries must be aged 18–30.

MSMEs and start‑ups may apply if they serve a clear public‑interest purpose and do not generate profit from grant‑funded activities. Large corporate subsidiaries are not eligible.

No. Applicants must be apolitical, non‑partisan, and non‑discriminatory on the basis of religion, denomination, ethnicity, gender, or disability.

In addition to completing the mandatory application annexes, Annex A, Annex B and Annex C, applicants must submit proof of registration, proof of bank account, a governing body list (age/sex), safeguarding policies or declaration, latest financial statement, VAT non‑recovery declaration, and a signed Declaration of Honour.

No. Projects must be implemented exclusively in one eligible country under Lot 2 or Lot 3.

Yes. At least 25% of beneficiaries must be vulnerable youth (e.g., youth with disabilities, rural, displaced, unemployed, or marginalised).

Projects must last between 6 and 12 months.

No. Each organisation may submit only one proposal under this Call.

No. Consortia are not allowed.

No. Co‑financing is not mandatory, but applicants may indicate additional resources to strengthen their proposal.

No. Applicants must be legally registered organisations. Informal youth groups are encouraged to partner with registered entities.

Yes, if the organisation is legally registered and meets eligibility criteria. Where applicable, and depending on the national legal context, an official receipt confirming that the registration application was submitted at least one (1) year before the submission deadline may be accepted. The evaluation committee reserves the right to determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether such documentation is sufficient under the applicable national legal framework

Yes. Staff salaries and stipends directly linked to project delivery are eligible costs.

Yes. Equipment essential for project activities (e.g., ICT tools, renewable energy kits) is eligible.

Yes. Previous grantees may apply, provided they meet current eligibility requirements.

Six organisations (2 from Lot 2 and 4 from Lot 3) demonstrating strong impact, inclusion, and sustainability will be selected for Round 2, receiving €40,000 and tailored technical assistance.

No. A European partner is not mandatory for Round 1. However, collaboration with European institutions is a selection criterion for Round 2.

All questions and requests for clarification regarding this Call for Proposals must be submitted exclusively via email to grants@theyouthcafe.com. To ensure transparency and equal treatment of all applicants, The Youth Café will regularly publish a consolidated Questions & Answers (Q&A) document on its official website, containing all questions received and the corresponding responses. Questions submitted anonymously will not be attributed to individual applicants.