RFAs: European Youth Foundation International Long-Term Youth Co-operation Projects

Deadline: 01-Oct-2026

The European Youth Foundation (EYF) is offering grants of up to €60,000 for international long-term youth cooperation projects that promote human rights, democracy, solidarity, youth participation, and intercultural understanding. Eligible international youth NGOs and networks registered with the EYF can apply for projects involving participants from at least seven Council of Europe member states, with at least 75% of participants under 30.

About the European Youth Foundation Call

The European Youth Foundation (EYF) of the Council of Europe supports youth organisations working to strengthen democracy, human rights, international understanding, and solidarity among young people. This call focuses on international long-term youth cooperation projects that help youth organisations develop their networks, strengthen young people’s skills, and encourage meaningful participation in democratic and social life. Projects can combine international meetings with activities such as advocacy, campaigns, educational resources, research, and support for local or regional youth initiatives. What Does the Grant Support? The funding supports projects that contribute to one or more of the following objectives: - Strengthening the strategic development of youth organisations and their networks. - Building capacities, knowledge, and expertise within youth organisations. - Developing long-term strategic partnerships and cross-border cooperation. - Improving young people’s knowledge, skills, and participation. - Reaching young people through education, awareness-raising, cooperation, and advocacy. - Promoting international understanding and solidarity. - Strengthening human rights and democratic participation. The programme particularly encourages projects addressing democracy, human rights, inclusion, peace, youth work, and access to rights. Priority Themes Proposed projects should contribute to one or more EYF thematic priorities, including: - Revitalising pluralistic democracy - Young people’s access to rights - Living together in peaceful and inclusive societies - Youth work Projects should demonstrate a clear connection between their activities and these priorities. What Activities Can Be Funded? Supported projects must combine an international meeting with other complementary activities.

Examples include:

- International youth meetings. - Awareness-raising campaigns. - Advocacy activities. - Educational and training resources. - Research activities. - Capacity-building programmes. - Support for local or regional youth initiatives. - International networking and cooperation activities. At least one activity must be an international meeting of young people lasting at least four programme days. The activities should form part of a coherent long-term project rather than functioning as isolated events.

Participatory and Educational Approach

Projects are expected to use approaches that actively involve young people in planning and implementation.

The project should incorporate:

- Non-formal education. - Intercultural learning. - Youth participation. - Human rights education. - Multicultural teamwork. - Inclusive decision-making. Activities should be prepared and delivered by a multicultural project team, helping participants learn from different cultural and national perspectives. Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants are:

- International non-governmental youth organisations registered with the EYF. - International networks of youth organisations registered with the EYF. The project must meet important participation requirements.

Participants must

- Reside in at least seven Council of Europe member states. - Include at least 75% participants under 30 years of age. - Include appropriate attention to young people with disabilities. - Promote gender equality. - Address social inclusion. Applicants should therefore demonstrate that the project has a genuinely international and inclusive youth dimension. Grant Amount and Funding Applicants can request a maximum grant of €60,000. The indicative total budget available for this call is €600,000, with approximately 10 grants expected to be awarded. The EYF does not necessarily cover the entire project cost. Each grantee must contribute to the project through its own resources or third-party contributions.

Contributions can include:

- Financial contributions. - Human resources. - In-kind support. - Other third-party contributions. How the Grant Is Paid The grant is paid in two stages: - 80% is paid after the grant agreement is signed. - The remaining balance is paid after the EYF accepts the project’s final narrative and financial reports. Recipients therefore need to maintain accurate financial records and document project implementation throughout the grant period. Project Duration and Start Date

Projects must begin between:

1 January 2027 and 31 March 2027. A project can last for a maximum of 18 months. Applicants should therefore develop a realistic implementation schedule covering international meetings, educational activities, campaigns, advocacy, research, and reporting. How to Prepare a Strong Application A strong proposal should clearly explain the problem the project addresses and why international youth cooperation is necessary.

Applicants should:

- Define the youth issue clearly. Explain the human rights, democracy, inclusion, or youth participation challenge the project will address. - Connect the project to EYF priorities. Show how the activities contribute to democracy, access to rights, peaceful societies, or youth work. - Develop a coherent long-term strategy. Explain how the project will strengthen the organisation, network, partnerships, or participating young people. - Design meaningful international activities. Ensure the project includes the required international meeting of at least four programme days. - Use non-formal education methods. Explain how participants will actively learn, exchange experiences, and contribute to th