Plan International Nigeria has announced the launch of the Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) – Edition 4, a program designed to empower young activist groups in West and Central Africa who are driving change in their communities.
The Fund will award financial support ranging from €5,000 to €7,000 to both registered and unregistered groups, collectives, and organizations led by girls or young feminists.
According to Plan International Nigeria, this initiative aims to nurture the innovation, creativity, and energy of young activists working towards gender equality.
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Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, groups must:
- Be led by girls or women aged 15–30 (priority given to feminists aged 15–24).
- Have an annual budget below €50,000.
- Be independent of government, political parties, religious bodies, and corporations.
- Submit proposals that align with at least one YCF priority area.
- Provide verification through two references, registration documents (if available), and IDs of two representatives.
- Be based in one of the eligible countries: Togo, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Central African Republic, Mali, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Senegal.
- Obtain parental or guardian consent if all members are under 18.
- For Chad and Senegal, only projects focusing on education for girls and young women will be considered.
Priority Areas of Focus
Projects can apply under one or more of the following themes:
- Girls’ Employment and Entrepreneurship
- Protection from Violence
- Youth Leadership and Mentorship
- Girls’ Access to Quality Education
- Climate Change, Environment, and Livelihoods
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights
Humanitarian Response and Emergency
What Selected Groups Will Gain
Beyond funding, successful applicants will also receive:
- Membership in the Youth Challenge Fund 4 network.
- At least 5 tailored capacity-strengthening sessions.
- Online training hosted by Country Offices and the WCA Regional Hub.
- Access to tools and resources via the
- Equality Accelerator platform.
- The opportunity to co-create new activism tools.
- Direct mentorship and support from Plan International staff.
- Networking opportunities with other youth activists across the region.