UN Decade Youth Task Force (YTF) Microgrants 2026 for Youth-led Organisations (up to USD 1,000 grant funding)

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Applications are open for UN Decade Youth Task Force (YTF) Microgrants 2026. The UN Decade Youth Task Force is pleased to announce the 2026 Call for Micro-Grant applications towards ecosystem restoration efforts. This call is a strategic partnership supported by the UNEP & FAO, designed by the Youth Task Force to empower youth-led organizations that aim to advance the UN DECADE goals with young people at the forefront.

This initiative supports restoration of Farmlands, Forests, Freshwater, Grasslands, Shrublands & Savannahs, Mountains, Oceans & Coasts, Peatlands, and Urban Areas through youth-led action.

UN Decade Youth Task Force (YTF) Microgrants Amount

A total of 10 microgrants of up to USD 1,000 each will be awarded.
The majority of funds (80%) will go to the Global South, with 20% allocated to the Global North.

UN Decade Youth Task Force (YTF) Microgrants Objectives

Projects funded under this program must align with the following SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) objectives:

Restore or rehabilitate at least one of the following- Farmlands, Forests, Freshwater, Grasslands, Shrublands & Savannahs, Mountains, Oceans & Coasts, Peatlands, and Urban Areas
Engage youth and community members in restoration or conservation activities by the end of the project.
Implement at least one sustainable land or water management practice based on recognized ecological best practices.
Establish a sustainability plan ensuring continued restoration efforts beyond the funding period.

Expected Ecological Outcomes

Eligible projects should demonstrate clear, evidence-based ecological benefits, such as:

Increased native vegetation cover
Improved soil composition or structure
Enhanced biodiversity or habitat quality
Freshwater quality improvement or watershed stabilization
Strengthened climate resilience for local communities
Empowered youth and community stewardship

Alignment with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

Projects must contribute to at least one of the UN Decade’s three core global goals:

Prevent
- Prevent the loss and degradation of intact ecosystems.
Halt
- Halt ongoing ecosystem degradation through conservation, protection, and monitoring.
Reverse
- Reverse ecosystem damage through restoration, rehabilitation, and sustainable management.

UN Decade Youth Task Force (YTF) Microgrants Methodology and Best Practices

Successful proposals will demonstrate:

Participatory, inclusive design engaging youth and local communities
Use of nature-based solutions and native species
Respect for Indigenous and traditional ecological knowledge
Simple, measurable monitoring indicators, such as:
- Area restored
- Trees planted
- Species reintroduced
- Soil or biodiversity improvement metrics
Use of locally appropriate, ecologically grounded restoration techniques

Innovation and Replicability

Preference will be given to projects that:

Apply innovative, low-cost, community-driven solutions
Blend traditional knowledge with modern restoration tools
Offer models that are replicable or scalable in other communities or regions

Eligibility Criteria for UN Decade Youth Task Force (YTF) Microgrants

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Legal Status: Youth-led organization legally registered (proof of registration required)
Youth Leadership: Project leaders must be under 35 years old
Geographic Distribution: 80% of grants for Global South applicants; 20% for Global North
Ecosystem Scope: Project must address at least one eligible ecosystem category
Implementation Period: Activities must occur between February and July 2026
Budget Limit: Maximum request of USD 1,000 per project

The UN Decade YTF will not fund the following:

Participation or organization of conferences, seminars, or workshops
Salaries, stipends, or honoraria for staff or project members.
Purchase of equipment not directly related to restoration activities.
Scholarships, fellowships, or tuition fees.
Activities inconsistent with environmental or ethical standards of the UN Decade.

How To Apply for UN Decade Youth Task Force (YTF) Microgrants

Applicants must submit the following via the UN Decade YTF Grant Portal:

Completed online application form
An Implementation plan
- Project summary and objectives
- Methodology and expected outcomes
- Timeline and sustainability plan
- Detailed budget
Detailed project proposal
Proof of registration (certificate)

All templates and guidance documents are available directly within the online application form.

Click Here to Apply

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Application Deadline: 31 December 2025