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How To Easily Apply For Nigeria Youth Futures Funds

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2 years ago

May 27, 2022

How To Easily Apply For Nigeria Youth Futures Funds

Applications for the Nigeria Youth Futures Funds are still ongoing for Nigeria youths aged 15- 35 years with a proven track record, working on a sustainable solution that directly addresses any of the seven thematic areas which we will be walking you through in this article.

About Nigeria Youth Futures Fund

More than 70 percent of Nigeria’s population is made up of young people, with estimations of continuous growth in the next few decades. Given this significant number, it is evident that the future growth of Nigeria is linked to having an educated, skilled, healthy, and politically active youthful population that is involved in the development of long-term policy strategies.

The participation of Nigerian youth in leadership and politics has evolved overtime. Coming from a legacy of active student unionism (1980s), where universities served as spaces for intellectual debates and youth expression, to a period of youth organizing aided by new media (2010-present), the Nigerian youth ecosystem has experienced a reawakening of some sorts.

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The #NotTooYoungToRun campaign (2016- 2018) and the noticeable increase in youth agitation and awareness of socio-economic and political indices in Nigeria are symbolic representations of the increasing leadership capabilities of young Nigerians.

Given a myriad of social challenges and policy failures that young Nigerians contend with, they have become increasingly poised to lead powerful organizations, institutions, and groups, having built capacity from leading change at a social level. The African Leadership Institute report, “An Abundance of Young African Leaders but No Seat at the Table,” points out that Africa does not suffer a lack of young leaders However, many young Africans lack representation in the corridors of power. According to the report, about 700,000 young Africans have already been exposed to a level of selective leadership initiative, implying that the challenge is in harnessing the innovation, creativity, and potential of these young leaders.

As witnessed in recent youth agitations and protests, it is evident that young Nigerians are already exploring alternative leadership and funding models aided by digital technology.

Grant Thematic Areas

1. Employment and Education

The applicants should consider youth-driven initiatives that focus on supporting the youth in their education and spur employment opportunities. Such initiatives should be inclusive and target result-oriented activities among the youth.

2. Media, sport, and Entertainment

Projects that promote and strengthen Youth activities in media, sport, and entertainment. Identification and promotion of youth media platforms and creative talent should be prioritized.

3. Health

The concepts should focus on health issues of the young people such as drug and substance abuse, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and others

4. Peacebuilding and Security

This prioritizes concepts that promote cultural integration, peaceful coexistence, armed forces and civilian relationship, and a host of others.

5. ICT and Entrepreneurship

ICT-driven solutions that create values and have a sustainable business model.

6. Climate change and Environment

Initiatives and ideas that address drought and desertification, land degradation, more frequent extreme weather events, affected freshwater, water resources, and loss of biodiversity

7. Civic participation

initiatives and ideas that help increase Youth engagement/participation in politics and leadership.

Eligibility criteria for individuals and organizations

Individual Level

The beneficiary must be a Young Change Makers (aged 15- 35 years) with a proven track record, working on a sustainable solution that directly addresses any of the seven thematic areas.
The beneficiary must demonstrate a good understanding and experience of strategic planning, vision setting, and project management.
The beneficiary must demonstrate experience and knowledge of community or team building following principles of honesty and integrity
The Beneficiary must demonstrate talent and passion for new ways of behaving, norms, and actions,
The beneficiary must have genuine means of identification or be attached to an institution.
The beneficiary must supply a police clearance report and provide 3 reputable referees.

Organization Level

The organization must be a formally registered organization with the corporate affairs commission of Nigeria. Otherwise, an unregistered organization can form a cluster and apply through a registered organization.
The organization must have a partnership capacity in all the states in their geo-political region.
The organization must have police clearance, tax clearance, and SCUML certificate
The organization must have good antecedents and proper track records.
Youth-driven transformation activities, civic and transformation hub depending on the grant category, working on sustainable solutions that directly address any of the agreed thematic areas.
The organization must have a physical address, corporate account with good financial standing, and records

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Grant Categories

Small Grant

This grant type is for 60 beneficiaries (individuals) $500 – $1000

Action Grant

For 40 Grassroots and Community-based organizations $1000 – $3000

Development Grant

For 25 Youth-led & Youth-focused organizations $3000-$6,000

Catalytics Grant

For 6 Civic innovations hubs focusing on Youth-oriented activities across Nigeria $40,000