The Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF), hosted by the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), has opened its first Call for Proposals, offering grants of US$5,000, US$10,000 or US$20,000 to youth-led climate organisations and groups across Africa. Unregistered youth groups can apply too, through a fiscal sponsor.
Deadline: 15 January 2027. Applying is free.
Key Details
- Funder: Africa Youth Climate Fund (hosted by GAYO)
- Grant sizes: US$5,000, US$10,000 or US$20,000
- Open to: youth-led climate organisations and groups in Africa
- Includes: registered, registering and unregistered groups (via a fiscal sponsor)
- Cost: free
- Deadline: 15 January 2027
Benefits: Grant Categories
- US$5,000: small community initiatives, new ideas and pilot projects on local climate challenges
- US$10,000: expanding existing climate work, strengthening operations and reaching more people
- US$20,000: larger projects with several activities, communities or partners
Beyond money, AYCF offers technical assistance, peer learning, convenings and ongoing partnership support during implementation. Grants are paid in instalments after due diligence and a signed grant agreement.
Thematic Areas
- Entrepreneurship, innovation and green transition: youth-led green businesses, green jobs, climate innovation and community resilience
- Youth leadership, solidarity and movement-building: youth networks, collective action and participation in climate policy
- Research, evidence and learning: youth-led research, knowledge-sharing and evidence for climate accountability
Eligibility
- youth-led climate organisations and community groups in Africa
- registered organisations, or those in the process of registering
- informal or unregistered youth groups applying through a fiscal sponsor (AYCF can help you find one)
- work that fits one of the three thematic areas
Young women-led organisations and groups serving marginalised communities with little access to climate finance are especially encouraged.
How to Apply
- Read the guidelines on the official Africa Youth Climate Fund website.
- Create a free account on the AYCF grant portal.
- Choose your grant category and thematic area.
- Complete the Grant Concept Note (project, beneficiaries, expected impact) and the full application form.
- Submit before 15 January 2027.
Tips
- Match your request to your track record: new groups should aim for US$5,000.
- Name the community, the climate problem and measurable results, such as trees planted, farmers trained or waste diverted.
- No registration? Line up a fiscal sponsor early, such as a registered NGO you already work with.
- Highlight women’s and youth leadership in your team.
Note: MSME Africa‘s headline says “up to $2,000”, but its article and other sources list US$5,000–20,000 grants. Confirm amounts on the official portal.
