Y4C Call for Solutions 2026 - Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility:

• What is the minimum project implementation period?

   

There is no specified minimum implementation period. Please make sure your timeline is feasible for achieving your project objectives and no longer than 24 months.

• I have a project proposal but I don't have a group to work with. What should I do?

You may apply as an individual but we encourage you to ensure you will have the capacity and expertise required to deliver on your objectives. 

• At what stage of maturity does my intervention need to be (e.g. idea stage, MVP, etc.)?

There are no specifications in this regard as long as you are able to demonstrate a strong project design. 

• What stage of maturity should my project be at to apply?

Projects at any maturity level - including idea‑stage, early‑stage, or growth‑stage - are eligible as long as you demonstrate a strong design and a feasible implementation plan.

• Are there separate application criteria for individual applicants and entities (organizations and companies)?

Please view the eligibility criteria listed in the Call for Solutions Guidelines for Applicants document. 

• Can multiple organisations come together to apply? 

   

The application and receipt and implementation of funds must be handled by one applicant, through partnerships and collaboration are encouraged. 

• Can applicants apply as a group of individuals if they are not a registered organization?

Yes. Groups can apply through a single project lead, who will submit the application and receive/manage funds.

• What happens if the project lead turns 30 in 2026? 

The applicant must be aged 18-29 at the time of applying. 

• Is the total budget 30,000 USD including taxes? 

   

Your budget should be all-inclusive. It will not be possible to increase it later on. In case you have other sources of funding that will allow you to deliver a larger project, please make it very clear in your proposal and budget, and make sure you would be able to provide proof of that co-funding. 

• Can I implement a larger project with external co-financing?

The Y4C support is up to 30,000 USD. If you have other sources of funding that will allow you to deliver a larger project, please make it very clear in your proposal and budget, and make sure you would be able to provide proof of that co-funding.

• Is the total budget same for individual applicants and entities?

   

Yes, both apply for a maximum of 30,000 USD. See Guidelines for details on eligibility. 

• Can a team of two nationalities submit a proposal?

   

Yes absolutely! The project lead should be a national of one of the countries listed in the Annex of the Guidelines for Applicants. And the project needs to be implemented in one of those countries. The broader team can be multi-country (as long as you can demonstrate capacity to deliver on the ground). 

• Can a group of young people apply?

Youth-led, registered civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations and private companies are eligible to apply. If the group/collective is not a legally registered entity, the application should be submitted on an individual basis by the project lead, who will serve as the representative of the group. This individual will receive and manage the funds on behalf of the group. 

• What constitutes a “youth-led entity”?

The majority of the organization’s leadership should be young people aged 18-29 years. You will be asked to justify on the application form why you consider that the entity is youth-led.

• Can youth who are government employees apply?

Public entities are not an eligible entity type. If you meet the eligibility criteria but you or one of your team members hold a role within the government that could constitute a conflict of interest, please declare this on the application form. We may ask for supporting documents (e.g. a no-objection letter from the employer or clarifications about your role).

Application process:

• Where can I find the templates and guidelines of the Call for Solutions?

   

Visit the Y4C Platform page dedicated to this. You can also download the app on your phone for easy access to the page and receive notification for any updates.

• I used my email to register but it's not working. What should I do?

Please reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll register you manually.

• My email was rejected during registration due to “high spam risk.” What should I do?

Please write to [email protected] and the team will assist with manual registration.

• Do you have a specific format for the proposal?

The proposal is submitted using the application form accessible from HERE. You need to register on the Youth4Climate platform to access the page. 

• Can I apply with two projects? 

Each applicant will only be able to submit one application form on the portal. Make sure to carefully craft and review your application before submitting it. 

• Can I apply with the same project to two different priority areas? 

You can only select one primary priority area, but do explain on the application how the project contributes to other priority areas and development objectives.

• What if my project fits multiple thematic areas?

Select one primary thematic area, and explain alignment with others in your proposal.

• Can I apply under one theme of the Call or must my solution contribute to all six areas?

You need to indicate alignment with one primary priority area though we encourage integrated approaches.

• Will the banking details be required at this stage or the contracting stage? 

You do not need to share your bank details on the form, but you will be asked to indicate whether you already have a bank account and if you plan to/ are able to open one in the name of the applicant (registered entity or, in the case of individual applicants, the project lead).

• Do applicants need an international currency bank account to apply?

No, you do not need to provide your bank account information when applying. You will be asked to indicate whether you already have a bank account and if you plan to or are able to open one. If awarded, you can use any bank account in the name of the applicant (registered entity or, in the case of individual applicants, the project lead) that accepts transfers executed in USD.

• Can I edit my application? I made a mistake on the first application ?

   

Go back to your application and click on the three dots before your application name. You will then see the option to edit your application. After editing your application form, submit the application.

• What are the requirements for creating the short video?

   

Guidance for preparing the video is provided in the Guidelines for Applicants.

• Can I record a video explaining my solution that is longer than 3 minutes?

   

No, it is required to follow the guidelines, including the video being maximum 3 minutes long.

• Is it ok for the person recording the video to be different from the project lead.

Yes, there are no specifications in that regard!

• If I have other sources of funding available to complement the funding from Youth4Climate, do I need to provide any supporting documentation? If so, what kind of proof is required?

The budget can be entirely funded by Youth4Climate as long as it doesn't exceed USD 30,000. If the total budget is over the mentioned amount and if you will be self-financing part of the budget or receiving additional support from another partner, please make sure to very clearly indicate these in the budget so that we know which portion and for which activities you are requesting funding  from Youth4Climate.

• What should be the proposed start date of the project ?

Please use an indicative start date in early 2027.

Selection:

• May I know how many projects will be awarded?  

We aim to award funding to up to 50 solutions.

• Can a project be implemented before the project is accepted? 

No, funding will be released on the basis of completion of deliverables. We cannot reimburse work that has already happened before the signature of a contract with UNDP. 

• Where can we find examples of previous awardees' projects? 

Please see some of the impact stories we have published here.

If your question is not answered above or in the comments below, please feel free to write your questions using the comment function and we will get back to you ASAP.