A pivotal first step is increasing the amount of flexible funding supporting the leadership and power of young people in local communities.  The Development Alternative’s 2019 report on the state of youth civil society described youth civil society as fragile, with the norm being short-term, non-continuous funding for youth-led organisations. With the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the sustainability of youth civil society is even more at risk.

We must break down barriers between youth and funders and together build a more equitable and accountable funding ecosystem.  Toward that vision and in celebration of International Youth Day 2021, Global Fund for Children, CIVICUS, and Restless Development brought together more than 100 youth leaders, youth organisations, and funders from all over the world for a virtual event on August 9 to reimagine the future of funding for youth action.

Here is what we heard and what we ask you to reimagine with us:

  • Reframe grantmaking as partnerships
  • Meet youth where they are
  • Decolonise the grant application process
  • Connect to amplify the power of youth

Will you join us not only to question and reimagine established practices, but also to act? How can we take steps toward more equitable resourcing for this generation of changemakers and the next?

Read the full article about funding youth engagement by Vanessa Stevens at Alliance Magazine.