Applications are Open for the Youth4Water Grants 2025–2026: Empowering Youth-Led Water Solutions in Africa and South Asia

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Application Deadline: March, 2026

The Youth4Water Grants Programme 2025–2026, a joint initiative by Protectol Health and the UNCCD Youth Caucus, is now open for applications. This programme supports youth-led, community-driven projects that promote sustainable water management, sanitation, and drought resilience across Africa and South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

By empowering young innovators, the Youth4Water Grants aim to inspire scalable, practical solutions to the water crisis while strengthening local resilience to climate change.

About the Programme

The Youth4Water Grants empower young leaders and youth-led organizations to develop creative, community-centered approaches that improve access to clean water, encourage sustainable use, and build climate adaptation skills.

Through the partnership between Protectol’s Water Initiative and the UNCCD Youth Caucus, this programme contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, while also supporting youth participation in environmental action.

Quick Facts

  • Grant size: USD 2,000–2,500 per project
  • Number of projects: 4 (pilot round)
  • Eligible regions: Africa and South Asia
  • Who can apply: Youth-led organizations and community groups
  • Implementation period: Early 2026
  • Showcase: Outcomes will be presented at UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia (August 2026)
  • Focus areas: Water access, sanitation, drought resilience, and community awareness

Programme Objectives

  • Empower youth-led initiatives that improve access to clean and safe water
  • Strengthen youth organizations’ capacity to design and execute impactful projects
  • Promote sanitation, hygiene, and sustainable water practices at the community level
  • Advance progress toward achieving SDG 6 and related goals

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a youth-led organization or group, with leaders mostly under 35 years old
  • Operate within Africa or South Asia
  • Focus on water access, sanitation, drought resilience, or awareness campaigns
  • Be legally registered or recognized by the community (letters of support accepted)
  • Commit to implementing the project within 1–2 months after selection
  • Demonstrate gender inclusivity and engagement of marginalized or rural youth

Organizations accredited to the UNCCD or affiliated with the UNCCD Youth Caucus will be given preference, though accreditation is not mandatory.

Grant Benefits and Support

Selected grantees will receive:

  • Financial support: USD 2,000–2,500 per project
  • Technical assistance: Project branding, communications, and visibility support from Protectol
  • Media exposure: Recognition on Protectol Impact and UNCCD Youth platforms

Funding will be disbursed upon submission of registration documents or community endorsements, quotations, and bank details.

Eligible and Ineligible Expenses

Eligible expenses include:

  • Local water infrastructure such as wells, filters, or rainwater harvesting systems
  • Materials for awareness and training activities
  • Community mobilization and engagement events
  • Transportation related to project execution

Ineligible expenses:

  • Salaries or administrative overheads
  • Unrelated or personal equipment purchases

Selection and Evaluation

Applications will undergo a joint review by Protectol and the UNCCD Youth Caucus. The evaluation will prioritize:

  • Relevance (20%) – Alignment with water and sanitation needs
  • Impact (25%) – Potential reach and measurable outcomes
  • Youth Leadership (20%) – Strength of youth participation and leadership
  • Feasibility (15%) – Ability to complete within two months
  • Sustainability (10%) – Long-term benefits for communities
  • Diversity (10%) – Gender and regional inclusivity

Programme Timeline

  • September 2025: Programme launch and MoU signing
  • October–December 2025: Application period
  • Rolling review: Evaluation within 3–4 weeks of submission
  • Early 2026: Implementation (1–2 months)
  • August 2026: Showcase of results at UNCCD COP17, Mongolia

Monitoring and Reporting

Grantees must submit short progress updates with photos and a final two to three-page report after project completion. Protectol and the UNCCD Youth Caucus will compile an impact brief highlighting achievements and best practices.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until March 2026, or until all four projects are selected. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

The Youth4Water Grants Programme represents a powerful opportunity for young changemakers to lead sustainable water initiatives and build stronger, healthier communities. By supporting youth innovation, this initiative not only addresses today’s water challenges but also inspires a generation to safeguard our planet’s most precious resource.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE 

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