the AU-EU Youth Lab logo./PHOTO ; Courtesy
Youth-led organizations and groups across Africa now have an opportunity to amplify the voices of underrepresented and marginalized young people through the Representation Grants, a funding initiative under the AU-EU Youth Action Lab.
Managed by Restless Development Uganda, a global non-profit that supports young leaders, the grants are designed to empower young people to lead change in their communities and influence policy at national and continental levels.
The Representation Grants are open to youth-led initiatives that prioritize the aspirations and challenges of marginalized or underrepresented young people.
This includes organizations that focus on advocacy, coalition building, policy development, and youth engagement in decision-making processes.
Applicants should be committed to driving change through practical, youth-led initiatives aligned with national youth plans and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Grantees will have the opportunity to organize events, dialogues, and campaigns that bring youth voices to policymakers, particularly at the African Union and European Union levels.
Initiatives can include research and knowledge production, advocacy campaigns, movement building, and other activities that amplify youth priorities and contribute to policy solutions for marginalized communities.
Who Can Apply
Eligibility for the Representation Grants is focused on youth leadership and inclusion. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
The organization or group must be youth-led, with founders or co-founders under 35 years of age and at least 70% of staff under 35.
Organizations must be registered youth-led groups, community-based organizations (CBOs), or grassroots movements, particularly for medium- to large-scale grants.
Initiatives must be based in and take place in one of the 12 eligible African countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia (Somaliland region), Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
The activities must directly benefit or be led by marginalized or underrepresented youth aged 15–35.
Grant Details
The Representation Grants offer funding of up to €10,000, with a maximum duration of 12 months. In this first grant round, up to 20 initiatives will be selected and supported.
The grants aim to enable youth-led organizations to expand their impact, strengthen their capacity, and influence policy through evidence-based advocacy and inclusive programming.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should access the Funding Manual at AU Youth Lab to understand the grant requirements and application process.
Proposals can be submitted individually or as part of a consortium with other youth organizations.
Applicants are encouraged to use the provided budget template and refer to sample applications to guide proposal development.
All applications must be submitted by 7th January, and applicants should ensure they select the correct grant type and language during registration, as this cannot be changed afterward.
Additional Support
To help applicants, the AU-EU Youth Action Lab is hosting webinars that explain the grant, provide guidance on proposal development, and answer questions about the application process.
Youth organizations are also encouraged to join the Power to Voices Platform, a digital community where they can connect, share resources, and stay updated on grant opportunities.
The Representation Grants are a timely initiative to strengthen youth leadership, inclusion, and advocacy across Africa.
By supporting youth-led organizations that focus on underrepresented and marginalized groups, the program aims to cultivate a generation of young leaders capable of shaping policies and creating sustainable change in their communities.
This is more than a funding opportunity; it is a chance for African youth to be heard, to influence decision-making, and to transform the challenges facing their communities into actionable solutions.
Apply now and be part of the change.
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