Request for Proposals: Global Youth Action Fund

Purpose and vision focus on addressing meaningful global or local challenges, while innovation and creativity emphasize offering bold, original approaches to change. Impact and sustainability highlight the need to demonstrate measurable potential for long term benefit, and collaboration and leadership underscore the importance of engaging others to create shared solutions.

The initiative aims to empower young people to turn hope into action by transforming local ideas into broader impact and by supporting youth who are shaping a shared vision of global citizenship. Successful applicants can receive up to 3,000 USD in grant funding depending on project needs and committee decisions, along with mentorship and opportunities to connect with leaders in social entrepreneurship and other student awardees from around the world.

Each funded project must align with one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and is reviewed by an international panel of experts, educators, and youth leaders. The fund is open to young people globally from schools and beyond who are driven by purpose and a desire to make a difference, with projects ranging from tackling climate change in Jakarta to advancing gender equity in Nairobi and building digital inclusion in Lima.

Any secondary school student between the ages of 12 and 19 is eligible to apply, either individually or in groups, with collaboration strongly encouraged. Applicants do not need to be enrolled in an IB World School but must be enrolled in a secondary school at the time of the application deadline.

Applications must include a completed application form submitted through Submittable, a pitch deck of no more than eight slides introducing the applicant, the problem being addressed, the proposed solution, and the business model including planned use of funding, a recorded video pitch of no more than three minutes explaining the project and motivation, and one school staff recommendation form.

Late applications will not be considered, and preference is given to students whose educator recommendation demonstrates support for the project and confidence in the students involved. The application period for the 2026 cycle runs till 30 January 2026, with the deadline based on local time as displayed on Submittable.

The deadline for school sponsor letters is 30 January 2026. Awardees will be announced in April 2026, grants will be released in May 2026, student programming will begin in June 2026, student project reflection and budget review will take place in November 2026, and student programming will end in December 2026.

For more information, visit International Baccalaureate.