Applications are now open for the EMEA Youth Safety and Wellbeing Funding Program 2026, a comprehensive grant initiative designed to advance youth-focused interventions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). This program provides up to €500,000 in total funding to support organizations and research institutions that are committed to enhancing youth safety, wellbeing, and responsible engagement with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). The program seeks to foster projects that create measurable impacts for children and adolescents, ensuring that technological innovation is harnessed to promote safe and healthy development.
Purpose and Strategic Focus
The EMEA Youth Safety and Wellbeing Funding Program aims to support both practical interventions and rigorous research that improve the safety, wellbeing, and development of young people. As AI and digital technologies become increasingly prevalent in education, communication, and daily life, it is essential that young people can interact with these systems safely. The program prioritizes initiatives that directly benefit youth, while also contributing to a broader understanding of best practices for protecting children and adolescents from potential harms associated with AI and other digital technologies. Projects may include community-based interventions, educational programs, research studies, policy development, or the creation of digital tools designed to promote safety and wellbeing among young people.
The EMEA Youth Safety and Wellbeing Funding Program particularly encourages projects that integrate innovation, evidence-based approaches, and cross-sector collaboration. Proposals that combine expertise from NGOs, academic institutions, technology developers, and community organizations are strongly valued, as these collaborations often result in sustainable and scalable solutions. By supporting both practical and research-driven projects, the program seeks to create a comprehensive understanding of youth safety and wellbeing challenges while promoting actionable solutions.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and nonprofit entities
- Academic and research institutions
- Collaborative consortia with a legal presence in an EMEA country
Applicants must demonstrate a clear focus on youth safety, wellbeing, or responsible engagement with emerging technologies. Proposals should show potential to generate meaningful outcomes, whether through direct programming, policy-relevant research, or practical tools designed to improve the daily lives of young people. Priority is given to initiatives that address underserved or vulnerable populations, including children and adolescents from marginalized communities or areas with limited access to digital literacy and safety programs.
Funding Details
The EMEA Youth Safety and Wellbeing Funding Program has a total budget of €500,000, distributed through individual grants ranging from €25,000 to €100,000, depending on the scope, ambition, and potential impact of the project. Larger, multi-year collaborations may be considered for increased funding, particularly when they demonstrate significant scalability or the potential for widespread impact. Eligible costs may include personnel, program activities, research expenses, materials, technology development, and indirect project costs, provided they contribute directly to the objectives of the program. Applicants are expected to provide detailed budgets with clear justifications for all proposed expenditures.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed using multiple criteria to ensure alignment with program goals:
- Alignment with program objectives: Projects must clearly contribute to youth safety, wellbeing, or responsible AI engagement.
- Impact and scalability: Proposals should demonstrate measurable outcomes and the potential for broader application.
- Methodological rigor: Research and operational plans must be well-designed and feasible.
- Organizational capability: Teams should show capacity to implement the project successfully, including prior experience in youth-focused initiatives.
- Ethical standards: Strong measures to protect the rights and safety of young people are essential.
- Sustainability: Projects should offer lasting benefits beyond the grant period and contribute to long-term solutions for youth safety and wellbeing.
Application Process and Timeline
- Application window: Open from January 28, 2026
- Deadline: February 27, 2026 (12:00 PM PST)
Applications must be submitted online and include a detailed project proposal (maximum 500 words), a budget plan, information about the project team, ethical review statements where relevant, and confirmation of partnerships if applicable. The process is competitive, and applicants are encouraged to provide clear evidence of anticipated impact, innovative approaches, and measurable outcomes.
Expected Outcomes
Successful projects are expected to produce tangible deliverables, including but not limited to:
- Evidence-based research reports on youth safety and wellbeing
- Practical toolkits and educational resources for youth and communities
- Evaluations of safety interventions and their effectiveness
- Policy briefs and recommendations for stakeholders in education, technology, and community development
By supporting a diverse range of initiatives, the EMEA Youth Safety and Wellbeing Funding Program 2026 aims to create meaningful, sustainable change. Projects are expected to enhance youth safety, foster responsible engagement with emerging technologies, and provide new insights that can inform policies and programs across the EMEA region. Ultimately, this funding initiative represents a significant opportunity for organizations and researchers committed to improving the lives of young people in a rapidly evolving digital world.
