The European Youth Foundation (EYF), operating under the Council of Europe, provides financial support to non-governmental youth organisations that promote human rights, democracy, peace, and cooperation. Through targeted funding opportunities, the EYF aims to strengthen youth-led initiatives that contribute to social cohesion, mutual understanding, and active democratic participation.
As a long-standing institutional mechanism within the Council of Europe’s youth sector, the EYF supports projects that reflect the organisation’s core values, while helping youth groups across Europe build strong, sustainable structures.
What the EYF Funds
The EYF offers two main types of grants to eligible youth organisations:
1. Project Grants
Project grants support specific youth activities aligned with the Council of Europe’s priorities. These may include:
- International cooperation activities, such as seminars, training courses, conferences, study sessions, youth camps, or long-term international initiatives combining multiple activities.
- Ad hoc initiatives, which address emerging needs or societal challenges affecting young people. These initiatives are rapid-response projects, usually designed to address urgent issues or evolving contexts.
Project grants focus on activities that encourage youth participation, intercultural learning, cooperation across borders, and the strengthening of democratic values.
2. Structural Grants
Structural grants provide partial support toward the operational costs of international youth organisations or networks. These grants may cover:
- Office and administrative expenses
- Staff costs
- Preparatory work for statutory meetings
- General equipment and operational needs
Structural grants may be awarded either for one year or two years, depending on the organisation’s track record and cooperation with EYF structures.
What the EYF Will Not Fund
To maintain impact and avoid overlap with other public responsibilities, the EYF does not fund:
- Commercial operations or profit-driven activities
- Construction, renovation, or building purchases
- Fixed equipment for buildings
- Tourism-related activities
- Scholarships or vocational activities
- University or school programme activities
- Sports events or school exchanges
- Statutory meetings
- Activities generally funded by public institutions
These limitations ensure that EYF resources support initiatives that are participatory, youth-led, and aligned with the Council of Europe’s mission.
How the EYF Operates Its Grant Cycles
The EYF uses calls for proposals to award grants. Only organisations registered in the EYF’s online grant management system may submit applications.
Key operational features include:
- Applications are only accepted when specific calls are open.
- The EYF regularly updates its Guide to Grants, which provides full instructions and criteria.
- Youth organisations can also access training, information sessions, and onboarding programmes designed to support them in applying successfully.
Upcoming calls for 2026 will be published in Spring 2026.
Eligibility and Alignment with Council of Europe Priorities
Funding is open to non-governmental youth organisations whose activities:
- Strengthen peace and intercultural understanding
- Promote cooperation among young people
- Prioritise human rights education and democratic participation
- Facilitate youth-led initiatives across borders
Applications must clearly demonstrate how their activities contribute to youth empowerment and reflect the Council of Europe’s values.
Organisations working with the EYF or the European Youth Centres often receive priority for structural support, as long-term strategic cooperation is an important dimension of EYF funding.
Capacity-Building and Support Services
Beyond grants, the EYF is committed to helping youth organisations grow stronger. Support mechanisms include:
- Training on grant writing and project design
- Information sessions on EYF priorities
- Guidance on using the online grant system
- Resources such as the EYF Guide, annual reports, and privacy notices
These tools ensure that organisations have equal opportunities to apply for and manage EYF funding.
With new calls for proposals launching in Spring 2026, youth organisations across Europe can prepare to apply for funding that supports inclusive, democratic, and meaningful youth engagement. The EYF remains a cornerstone of the Council of Europe’s mission to empower young people and strengthen civil society structures across the continent.
For accessing application, click here.
To know more about such opportunities, click here.
