Blue Ambition Fund 2026 for Non-profit Organisations & Social enterprises

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Applications are open for Blue Ambition Fund 2026. The Blue Ambition Fund (BAF) is an initiative of the Wilde Ganzen Foundation in the Netherlands, has launched its 2026 call for applications to support organisations working to improve economic opportunities for marginalised youth and women. The funding opportunity focuses on strengthening small and growing businesses, developing workforce skills, and creating sustainable employment opportunities in selected African countries.

Through this open funding call, eligible non-profit organisations and social enterprises are invited to submit proposals that align with the Fund’s mission of promoting economic independence and inclusive economic growth.

The Blue Ambition Fund is designed to support innovative approaches that enable young people and women to access dignified employment and build sustainable livelihoods. The programme focuses on addressing employment challenges among marginalised groups, particularly youth aged between 15 and 35 years and women who face barriers to economic participation.

The Fund supports initiatives that strengthen local economies by improving business capacity, enhancing skills development, and encouraging partnerships between organisations and the private sector.

Blue Ambition Fund (BAF) Focus Areas

The Blue Ambition Fund promotes economic independence among marginalized youth (15-35) and women. For this call, the focus is on:

Supporting Small and Growing Businesses to build capacity to increase their productivity, grow their business and create dignified job opportunities.
Creating sustainable wage employment opportunities for youth and women through short-term skilling (technical, soft skills and/or coaching) in collaboration with the private sector to guarantee employment.

Eligibility Criteria

Registered as not-for profit organisation in Uganda, Ethiopia or South Africa.
International NGO’s and for-profit organisations are not eligible for funding under this project
In case of a social enterprise, official documents must state how the company’s profit is reinvested to make social impact
Be independent and neutral, not affiliated to political parties.
Have been operating for at least 4 years
Proven track record on skilling youth and/or business development of high potential small and growing businesses
Annual budget between 300.000 and 5 million euro

Blue Ambition Fund (BAF) Funding Conditions

Blue Ambition Fund funds programmes for 2 to 3 years with a contribution between 100.000 and 300.000 euro
An own contribution of at least 5% in the first year, 10% in the second year and 15% in the third year (if applicable) is required. At least part of this contribution must be in cash
Management costs cannot exceed 10% of the total budget
Projects can focus on training of women and youth in technical and soft skills and/or SME support
Micro-credits or investments are not eligible for funding. Supporting entrepreneurs to get access to existing financial services can be part of a programme
Blue Ambition Fund supports programmes in all regions and sectors across the three focus countries

Assessment Criteria

Demand driven and market oriented
Focus on low-entry level, short term and practical training of youth or women in collaboration with the private sector to guarantee job opportunities OR on business support for high potential small and growing businesses
Multi-stakeholder approaches
Scalability and cost-efficiency

Selection process

Based on the concept notes, a first selection will be made.
These organisations will be requested to submit additional documents including an external financial audit over 2025;
A video call will be planned with all shortlisted organisations;
After the introductory calls, a final selection will be done of the organisations that will be invited to submit a full proposal.
A due diligence check will be part of this procedure.