Applications Invited for UN Decade Youth Task Force Micro-Grant 2026

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About the Organization

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a rallying call for the protection and revival of ecosystems all around the world, for the benefit of people and nature. It aims to halt the degradation of ecosystems, and restore them to achieve global goals. Only with healthy ecosystems can we enhance people’s livelihoods, counteract climate change, and stop the collapse of biodiversity.

The UN Decade runs from 2021 through 2030, which is also the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals and the timeline scientists have identified as the last chance to prevent catastrophic climate change.

The involvement of youth in the UN Decade and #GenerationRestoration movement is critically important, not only for the sustainability of restoration initiatives beyond 2030 but also for promoting intergenerational equity. During the UN Decade, the Children and Youth Major Group (CYMG) to UNEP and UN Decade lead agencies  (UNEP and FAO) will facilitate the engagement of youth advocates, youth-led restoration initiatives, and a wide range of formal and informal youth groups. The Youth Task Force is co-chaired by representatives of CYMG and FAO as well as a democratically elected third co-chair.

About the Grant

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 organisations 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.

• 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.

Programme Highlights:

• Grant Amounts: 1000USD 
• Target: Youth-led organisations

Grant 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 and Restoration Outcomes:

Projects should demonstrate clear ecological benefits, including but not limited to:

• Increased native vegetation cover and improved soil structure.
• Enhanced biodiversity through habitat restoration or species reintroduction.
• Improved freshwater quality or watershed stability.
• Strengthened climate resilience of local communities.
• Empowered youth and communities in ecosystem stewardship.

Alignment with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration:

Projects must contribute to at least 1 or more of UN Decade’s three core goals:

• Prevent the loss and degradation of intact ecosystems.
• Halt degradation through conservation and protection measures.
• Reverse degradation through restoration and sustainable management.

Eligibility

• Legal Status: Applicant must be a registered organization (proof of registration required).
• Youth Leadership: Projects must be led by individuals under 35 years old.
• Geographical Focus:80% of grants dedicated to the Global South & 20% to the Global North
• Ecosystem Scope: Must address at least one ecosystem category under the UN Decade (Farmlands, Forests, Freshwater, Grasslands, Shrublands & Savannahs, Mountains, Oceans & Coasts, Peatlands, and Urban Areas)
• Implementation Period: Projects must be completed between February and July 2026.
• Budget: Maximum of USD 1,000 per project.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit:

• A completed online application form
• An implementation plan
• Project summary and objectives
• Methodology and expected outcomes
• Timeline and sustainability plan
• Detailed budget
• Project Proposal
• Proof of registration (Certificate)

All applications must be submitted via the UN Decade YTF Grant Portal no later than 31 December 2025 (11:59pm UTC).

Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Apply here

For more information please check the Link

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