Applications Now Open for GYCAF Microgrants 2023

GYCAF envisions a world where young people are given the resources to pursue green entrepreneurship and create a green economy with the goal of lowering carbon emissions and conserving the environment.

Focus Areas

• Sustainable Agriculture: smart agriculture to ensure food sustainability.
• Clean Energy: powering communities in need of light and energy.
• Oceans: protecting marine life and mitigating climate catastrophes.
• Capacity Building: empowering youth with entrepreneurship skills.
• Green Stewardship: protecting biodiversity and influencing behavioral change.
• Technology and Innovation: breakthroughs that solve climate-related problems.

Grant Size

• Successful applicants will be awarded grants between USD 500 – USD 1,000, depending on the grantee application.

Target Beneficiaries

• The fund targets youth-led organizations and networks seeking funding for their projects and businesses.

Eligibility Criteria

• Youth-led organization (80 percent majority-owned; the definition of youth adopted is under 30 years of age)
• Strong motivation on creating change or an impact in the community through grassroots activism
• Conducting grassroots activism in their community
• Seeking grants to kick-start or support already existing initiatives
• Clear environment and socio-economic impacts of the project/initiative
• A clear idea of how to use the funds and why this grant will be useful to create more value and impact for the project
• Demonstrates well-planned project, with well-developed strategy, timeline, budgeting, and team management

Selection Criteria

• Goal Alignment
  • Goal aligns with GYCAF vision of realizing youth projects in sustainability
• Functionality and Relevance
  • Understand the audience and relevance of the project to the intended audience
  • Determine how the project addresses a problem that is not currently or sufficiently being addressed
• Financial Planning
  • Great financial awareness with a clear idea of the project finances to be sustainable (including a clear budget/needs table)
  • A clear understanding of how the team plans to meet the financial needs of the project
  • Understanding long-term financial implications of the project (if relevant)
• Team
  • Individuals who are motivated and committed to the project
  • Demonstrates cohesion and excellent group dynamics with a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities
• Implementability
  • Demonstrates clear impact with a focus on the community
  • Have a clear timeline for implementation of the project
  • Understand the key barriers to the successful deployment of the project and how the team plans on overcoming them.

For more information, visit GYCAF.