Apply Now for the 11th Edition of UNAOC’s Youth Solidarity Fund (YSF)

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is inviting youth-led organizations worldwide to apply for the 11th edition of its Youth Solidarity Fund (YSF). This unique funding opportunity supports projects that foster peace, inclusion, intercultural and interfaith dialogue, and equip young leaders with the capacity to drive sustainable social change in their communities.

Overview

Established in 2008, the Youth Solidarity Fund was created in direct response to calls from young civil society leaders advocating for dedicated funding mechanisms for youth-led organizations. The fund provides seed funding, capacity building, and mentorship to youth-led organizations implementing innovative approaches to intercultural or interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, and social cohesion.

Key Features of the Youth Solidarity Fund

1. Seed Grants: Up to USD 25,000 for innovative projects promoting peace, cultural and religious pluralism, and inclusion.
2. Capacity Building: Structured training and mentorship programs to strengthen organizational development, project management, and sustainability.
3. Global Reach: Since 2008, YSF has invested over USD 2.59 million, funding 80 youth-led projects across 43 countries, positively impacting over 3.4 million beneficiaries.

Why Apply for the Youth Solidarity Fund?

In today’s world, characterized by rising stigma, discrimination, hate speech, and violent extremism, the role of young people as peacebuilders is more critical than ever. YSF empowers youth to:

1. Design and implement projects addressing intolerance, discrimination, polarization, and identity-based conflicts.
2. Promote intercultural and interfaith dialogue as tools for peace and inclusion.
3. Engage with decision-makers and community leaders to create systemic change.

Who Can Apply?

YSF is open to youth-led, non-profit, and non-governmental organizations operational for at least two years in eligible countries. Organizations must:

1. Have leadership primarily aged 18-35 years.
2. Be officially registered and demonstrate accountability, transparency, and inclusive practices.
3. Have projects entirely developed, managed, and coordinated by youth.

Eligible Project Types

Projects should focus on:

1. Intercultural and interfaith dialogue to prevent violent extremism.
2. Implementation of UN frameworks such as Security Council Resolutions 2250, 2419, and 2535 on Youth, Peace, and Security, and Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
3. Combating hate speech, racism, xenophobia, and religious intolerance in line with UN strategies and action plans.

Geographical Coverage

The 11th edition welcomes applications from youth-led organizations operating in Official Development Assistance (ODA)-listed countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, including but not limited to:
Afghanistan; Albania; Algeria; Angola; Argentina; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Bangladesh; Belarus; Belize; Benin; Bhutan; Plurinational State of Bolivia; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Botswana; Brazil; Burkina Faso; Burundi; Cabo Verde; Cambodia; Cameroon; Central African Republic; Chad; China; Colombia; Comoros; Congo; Costa Rica; Côte D’Ivoire; Cuba; Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Djibouti; Dominica; Dominican Republic; Ecuador; Egypt; El Salvador; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Eswatini; Ethiopia; Fiji; Gabon; Republic of the Gambia; Georgia; Ghana; Grenada; Guatemala; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Haiti; Honduras; India; Indonesia; Islamic Republic of Iran; Iraq; Jamaica; Jordan; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Kiribati; Kosovo *; Kyrgyzstan; Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Lebanon; Lesotho; Liberia; Libya; Madagascar; Malawi; Malaysia; Maldives; Mali; Marshall Islands; Mauritania; Mauritius; Mexico; Federal States of Micronesia; Republic of Moldova; Mongolia; Montenegro; Morocco; Mozambique; Myanmar; Namibia; Nauru; Nepal; Nicaragua; Niger; Nigeria; North Macedonia; Pakistan; Palau; State of Palestine; Panama; Papua New Guinea; Paraguay; Peru; Philippines; Rwanda; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Senegal; Serbia; Sierra Leone; Solomon Islands; Somalia; South Africa; South Sudan; Sri Lanka; Sudan; Suriname; Syrian Arab Republic; Tajikistan; United Republic of Tanzania; Thailand; Timor-Leste; Togo; Tonga; Tunisia; Türkiye; Turkmenistan; Tuvalu; Uganda; Ukraine; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu; Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; Viet Nam; Yemen; Zambia; Zimbabwe.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

1. Clear objectives advancing peace, intercultural understanding, and inclusion.
2. Innovative activities fostering collaboration among youth from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
3. Impact potential with long-term sustainability and scalability.
4. Strong monitoring and evaluation plans ensuring accountability and measurable results.

How to Apply

Applications are evaluated based on:

1. 1. Prepare your application package, including:
   1. Completed online application form.
   2. Organization registration certificate and statutes.
   3. Organizational chart showing ages of decision-makers.
   4. Biography of Executive/Managing Director.
   5. CV of Project Coordinator (aged 18-35), plus their passport/ID scan.
2. Submit your application via the UNAOC online portal before the deadline.

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GOOD LUCK