Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF) Grants 2026/2027 for Youth-Led Climate Organisations in Africa
Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF) Grants 2026/2027 for Youth-Led Climate Organisations in Africa
Organisation: Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF)
Host Organisation: Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO)
Opportunity Type: Climate Action Grants
Eligible Applicants: Youth-Led Organisations and Groups Across Africa
Available Grant Funding: $5,000, $10,000 and $20,000
Application Deadline: 15 January 2027
Application Fee: Free
About the Opportunity
The Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF), hosted by the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), invites applications from youth-led climate organisations and community groups across Africa for its first Call for Proposals.
The fund aims to empower young Africans who are developing innovative solutions to climate change, promoting environmental sustainability, creating green businesses and influencing climate policies within their communities.
The initiative seeks to address the limited access of youth-led organisations to climate financing by providing direct financial support and promoting youth participation in funding decisions.
Through this programme, successful applicants will receive financial support, guidance and partnership opportunities to implement climate-focused projects that create meaningful impact across African communities.
Available Grant Funding
Eligible applicants can apply for one of the following funding categories:
1. $5,000 Grant
Designed for small-scale community initiatives, new ideas and pilot projects.
Suitable for youth groups looking to introduce or test innovative climate solutions within their communities.
2. $10,000 Grant
Designed for organisations seeking to strengthen or expand existing climate initiatives.
Suitable for groups looking to build on ongoing projects, increase their reach or serve more beneficiaries.
3. $20,000 Grant
Designed for larger climate initiatives requiring additional resources, coordination and implementation capacity.
Suitable for organisations planning projects involving multiple activities, communities or partners.
Thematic Areas
Applicants must select one of the following three thematic pillars:
1. Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Green Transition
Supports youth-led businesses and innovative solutions that promote green employment, strengthen community resilience and advance Africa’s inclusive transition to a green economy.
2. Youth Leadership, Solidarity and Movement-Building
Supports youth networks, coalitions and collective action initiatives that amplify marginalised voices and influence climate policies, governance and investment.
3. Research, Evidence and Learning
Supports youth-led research and knowledge-sharing initiatives that inform climate policies, improve programmes and strengthen accountability.
Eligibility Requirements
The opportunity is open to:
- Youth-led climate organisations and groups based in African countries.
- Registered youth-led organisations.
- Organisations whose registration process is ongoing.
- Informal and unregistered youth groups applying through a fiscal sponsor.
- Youth groups led by young women.
- Organisations working with underserved and marginalised communities.
Unregistered groups may provide their own fiscal sponsor or request assistance from AYCF to identify a suitable registered organisation to receive and manage the grant on their behalf.
Young women-led organisations and groups working with communities that are often excluded from climate financing are particularly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit the official Africa Youth Climate Fund application webpage.
- Read the application guidelines and select the appropriate grant category and thematic pillar.
- Click on the Apply Now option and create a free account on the AYCF application portal.
- Complete the Grant Concept Note by providing information about the organisation and describing the proposed project in three sentences, explaining what will be done, who will benefit and the expected change.
- Complete the full application form for the selected grant category.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Applicants will receive a confirmation email after successful submission.
Selection Process
Applications will undergo the following stages:
- Eligibility Screening: Applications will be checked against the programme’s eligibility requirements.
- Youth-Led Review: A panel of young people will review eligible applications and recommend projects for funding.
- Due Diligence: Selected applicants will undergo verification checks proportionate to the grant amount.
- Grant Agreement and Funding: Successful applicants will sign grant agreements and receive funding in instalments.
- Project Support: AYCF will provide ongoing guidance and partnership support throughout project implementation.
Application Deadline
15 January 2027.
Application Fee
Applying for the Africa Youth Climate Fund is completely free. Applicants are not required to pay any application or processing fees.
AYCF warns applicants against individuals requesting money in the name of the fund.
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How to Apply
Interested youth-led organisations and groups should visit the official application portal to review the guidelines and submit their applications.
For Enquiries: jambo@aycf.org
Applicants experiencing difficulties with the application portal or requiring clarification about grant categories can contact the programme through the email address provided.
