The capacity building initiative, which aims to promote international collaboration in the field of youth and non-formal learning as a driver of sustainable socio-economic development and well-being among youth groups and young people, is open to proposals from the European Commission.

Capacity-building in youth projects refers to international cooperation initiatives that involve multilateral partnerships between youth-focused organizations in the EU and associated Programme countries, on one side, and organizations in third countries not associated with the Programme, on the other side.

Objectives

The action targets youth organizations and aims to:

• Strengthen the capacity of organizations working with young people outside formal education.
• Promote non-formal learning activities in eligible third countries not associated with the Programme, particularly in organizations serving youth with fewer opportunities, while encouraging the participation of diverse young people to enhance their skills and opportunities, enabling their active involvement in society.
• Support the development and recognition of youth work in eligible third countries not associated with the Programme, improving its quality.
• Promote the creation, testing, and implementation of programs that boost non-formal learning mobility in eligible third countries.
• Assist organizations in eligible third countries in contributing to the EU Youth Strategy (2019-2027), including the 11 European Youth Goals, the European Youth Work Agenda, the Youth Action Plan in EU External Action (2022-2027), such as the Africa-Europe Youth Academy, and the follow-up to the European Year of Skills launched in 2023.
• Encourage cooperation through joint initiatives between youth organizations from EU Member States and Programme-associated third countries, and those from third countries not associated with the Programme, across different global regions eligible for this action.
• Support the involvement of smaller organizations, including those from remote or less populated areas.
• Promote synergies between youth organizations working with young people outside formal learning and formal education systems or the labor market.

Thematic Areas

Proposals should focus on supporting youth organizations working with young people outside formal learning in one or more of the following thematic areas:

• Political participation, civic engagement, and dialogue with decision-makers
• Inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities
• Democracy, rule of law, youth leadership, and values
• Empowerment, engagement, and employability of young people
• Peacebuilding and post-conflict reconciliation
• Environmental and climate issues
• Anti-discrimination and gender equality
• Digital and entrepreneurial skills

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is  6 March 2025.