$3000 Global Youth Action Fund

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About this opportunity

Launched by the International Baccalaureate (IB) in 2023 the Global Youth Action Fund is a worldwide grant program providing financial and capability building support to young changemakers aged 12 to 19 who are transforming their projects into real impact in their communities. To date, the Global Youth Action Fund has awarded grants to over 290 projects led by more than 440 young people globally.

The fund is open to young people globally from schools and beyond who are driven by purpose and a desire to make a difference. Whether tackling climate change in Jakarta, advancing gender equity in Nairobi, or building digital inclusion in Lima, each project contributes to a shared movement of youth-led action and collective hope.

Projects must align with one or more of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and are reviewed by an international panel of experts, educators, and youth leaders. Selection is based on:

Purpose & vision: tackling meaningful global or local challenges
Innovation & creativity: offering bold, original solutions
Impact & sustainability: demonstrating long-term potential
Collaboration & leadership: engaging others to create shared solutions

The Global Youth Action Fund empowers young people to turn ideas into action, forming a global network of youth-led change.

Selected students receive:

Up to $3,000 USD in grant funding, based on project needs and committee approval
Mentorship and networking with social entrepreneurship leaders and fellow student awardees worldwide

Who can apply

▶ Must be a secondary school student aged 12–19.
Can apply as an individual or group (collaboration encouraged).
Must be enrolled in a secondary school at the time of application (IB enrollment not required).
Requires one teacher recommendation (school sponsor form).
Application must include:
Pitch Deck (≤8 slides: intro, problem, solution, business model).
Recorded Video Pitch (≤3 minutes).
School Sponsor Form (teacher recommendation).
Late applications not considered.

About this opportunity

Projects must align with one or more of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and are reviewed by an international panel of experts, educators, and youth leaders. Selection is based on:

Purpose & vision: tackling meaningful global or local challenges
Innovation & creativity: offering bold, original solutions
Impact & sustainability: demonstrating long-term potential
Collaboration & leadership: engaging others to create shared solutions

The Global Youth Action Fund empowers young people to turn ideas into action, forming a global network of youth-led change.

Selected students receive:

Up to $3,000 USD in grant funding, based on project needs and committee approval
Mentorship and networking with social entrepreneurship leaders and fellow student awardees worldwide

Who can apply

▶ Must be a secondary school student aged 12–19.
Can apply as an individual or group (collaboration encouraged).
Must be enrolled in a secondary school at the time of application (IB enrollment not required).
Requires one teacher recommendation (school sponsor form).
Application must include:
Pitch Deck (≤8 slides: intro, problem, solution, business model).
Recorded Video Pitch (≤3 minutes).
School Sponsor Form (teacher recommendation).
Late applications not considered.