Submissions open for Youth Fund – Iceland

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The Youth Fund is inviting applications from youth associations and organizations in Iceland for projects supporting children and young people aged 6–25. The fund supports initiatives that encourage organized social and leisure activities, youth leadership development, volunteer training, innovation, project development, and collaboration between youth organizations. Projects should reflect the objectives of the Youth Associations Act and provide meaningful opportunities for young people to work together during their free time around shared ideals, goals, and interests that they value themselves.

About the Youth Fund

The Youth Fund is designed to strengthen organized youth activities in Iceland and support projects that contribute to positive experiences and development for children and young people. The fund particularly values projects that encourage young people to participate actively in their communities and develop skills through organized activities.

Supported initiatives can focus on:

- Social and leisure activities - Leadership training - Training for instructors and volunteers - Innovative projects - Developmental projects - Collaboration between youth organizations Who Are the Projects For? The fund supports activities for children and young people between 6 and 25 years of age. Projects should provide opportunities for young people to participate together in activities during their free time while pursuing shared interests, goals, or ideals that are meaningful to them. The emphasis is therefore on organized youth participation rather than activities designed solely around adult-led programming.

Objectives Under the Youth Associations Act

Projects must align with the objectives of the Youth Associations Act. A key principle is the provision of organized social and leisure activities where children and young people work together in their free time toward: - Shared ideals - Common goals - Interests they value themselves - Positive social participation - Collective activities Applicants should demonstrate how their project reflects these principles. Priority Areas The Youth Fund gives particular attention to several types of projects. Organized Social and Leisure Activities Projects can create structured opportunities for children and young people to meet, participate, collaborate, and develop shared interests during their free time. These activities can help strengthen participation and social connections among young people. Leadership Training The fund prioritizes leadership development for young people and those involved in youth organizations. Projects can focus on developing leadership skills among: - Youth leaders - Instructors - Volunteers Training can help strengthen the capacity of youth organizations to provide high-quality activities and encourage young people to take greater responsibility. Innovative and Developmental Projects Innovative and developmental initiatives are another priority. Applicants are encouraged to develop projects that introduce new approaches, strengthen existing youth activities, or contribute to the further development of youth organizations. Collaboration Between Youth Organizations The fund also encourages cooperation between youth associations and organizations. Collaborative projects can bring organizations together to share ideas, resources, experience, and approaches while creating broader opportunities for children and young people. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants are representatives of youth associations and organizations in Iceland. Applicants should ensure that their proposed project is consistent with the fund’s objectives and focuses on eligible youth activities. What Costs Does the Fund Prioritize? The Youth Fund emphasizes support for general project costs rather than salary expenses. Applicants should therefore focus their proposals on the costs directly associated with implementing and delivering the project rather than primarily requesting support for salaries. What Projects Are Not Eligible? Several types of activities are excluded from support.

The fund does not support:

- Annual events - Recurring events - Assemblies - Tournaments - Similar recurring gatherings - Group trips Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposal is based on a qualifying project rather than a recurring event or group excursion. Sports Activities and Traditional Sports Clubs Traditional sports clubs are generally not eligible for projects related to sports activities under this fund. Organizations involved in sports should therefore carefully consider whether their proposed activity fits within the Youth Fund’s objectives and eligibility requirements. The fund is focused on broader organized youth association activities rather than ordinary sports programming. How to Develop a Strong Project Applicants can strengthen their proposals by clearly explaining how the project contributes to youth participation and development. A strong project description should demonstrate: - The age group benefiting from the project - How children and young people will participate - The project’s social or leisure purpose - How young people can work toward shared goals or interests - Leadership or volunteer development opportunities - Innovative or developmental elements - Collaboration with other youth organizations where applicable - How the proposed costs relate directly to project implementation Applicants should also distinguish the proposed project from annual or recurring events, group trips, or ordinary sports activities. Why Youth-Focused Projects Matter Youth associations provide opportunities for children and young people to build relationships, develop skills, participate in their communities, and explore interests outside formal education. By supporting organized activities, leadership training, innovation, and cooperation, the Youth Fund can help strengthen the capacity of youth organizations and create more meaningful opport