UN Decade Youth Task Force Microgrant Programme 2026: Funding for Youth-Led Ecosystem Restoration Projects (Deadline: 31 December 2025)

The UN Decade Youth Task Force Microgrant Programme 2026 is now open for applications, offering youth-led organizations around the world the opportunity to secure micro-grants of up to USD 1,000 for ecosystem restoration. Ten grants will be awarded to registered youth-led groups implementing nature-based, community-driven restoration projects with measurable ecological benefits.
The programme supports initiatives that align with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration goals: preventing ecosystem loss, halting degradation, and restoring damaged environments.

About the UN Decade Youth Task Force Microgrant Programme 2026

The 2026 microgrant programme aims to strengthen youth participation in global restoration efforts by supporting innovative, scalable, and evidence-based ecological interventions. Priority is given to projects that apply Indigenous knowledge, promote community stewardship, and deliver clear environmental gains.

What the Microgrant Supports

Eligible projects must demonstrate ecological improvements and meaningful community involvement. Restoration activities may include:

• Increasing vegetation cover
• Improving soil health and fertility
• Enhancing biodiversity
• Protecting or restoring water quality
• Boosting climate resilience
• Strengthening community stewardship and youth engagement

Projects must support at least one core UN Decade goal:

• Preventing ecosystem loss
• Halting degradation
• Restoring ecological damage through nature-based solutions

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative strengthens the global restoration movement by:

• Empowering young leaders under 35 to create lasting environmental impact
• Supporting community-based and culturally grounded restoration
• Promoting sustainability, Indigenous knowledge, and ecological integrity
• Encouraging low-cost, scalable restoration models using native species

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be legally registered organizations
• Be led by individuals aged below 35
• Work within a UN Decade ecosystem category (forests, wetlands, oceans, grasslands, drylands, farms, mountains, etc.)
• Demonstrate strong capacity for ecological, evidence-based restoration

Funding Allocation

• 10 micro-grants of up to USD 1,000
• 80% of grants reserved for Global South organizations
• 20% allocated to Global North

What the Grant Does NOT Fund

The programme excludes:

• Conferences, workshops, or meetings
• Salaries, stipends, or honoraria
• Scholarships and tuition fees
• Equipment not directly related to restoration
• Activities violating environmental or UN ethical standards

Key Concepts Applicants Must Understand

SMART Objectives

Projects must outline goals that are:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

Nature-Based Solutions

Applicants are encouraged to use:

• Native species
• Low-cost ecological techniques
• Biodiversity-friendly methods
• Local and traditional knowledge

Community Engagement

Projects should include:

• Meaningful youth participation
• Collaboration with local communities
• Indigenous stewardship where applicable

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

All submissions must be complete and submitted before 31 December 2025.

1. Complete the Online Application Form

Provide accurate details about your organization, leadership, and project.

2. Prepare All Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Full project proposal
• Project summary
• Implementation plan
• SMART objectives
• Evidence-based methods
• Expected ecological & social outcomes
• Timeline
• Sustainability plan
• Itemized budget
• Legal proof of registration

3. Ensure Compliance With Programme Rules

Projects must:

• Use native species
• Follow nature-based restoration practices
• Include simple monitoring indicators
• Respect Indigenous knowledge systems
• Avoid restricted cost categories

4. Submit Before the Deadline

The system closes on 31 December 2025. Late applications are rejected automatically.

5. Await Screening Results

Shortlisted organizations will receive feedback by mid-January 2026.

6. Begin Implementation

Successful applicants will implement their projects between February and July 2026.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Late or incomplete applications
• Weak or unclear SMART indicators
• Using non-native or invasive species
• High-cost, non-scalable proposals
• Budgets containing ineligible items
• Poor sustainability or monitoring plans
• Failure to demonstrate true youth leadership

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to apply?
   Registered youth-led organizations with leaders under 35 working on ecosystem restoration.
2. What types of ecosystems qualify?
   Any ecosystem under the UN Decade framework, including forests, wetlands, marine areas, drylands, farmlands, mountains, and more.
3. How much funding is available?
   Each selected project receives up to USD 1,000, with 10 grants available.
4. Can individuals apply?
   No. Only legally registered organizations are eligible.
5. What restoration methods are required?
   Nature-based, inclusive, evidence-based methods using native species.
6. Are salaries or conferences allowed in the budget?
   No. These costs are not eligible.
7. When is the project timeline?
   Projects will run from February to July 2026.

Conclusion

The UN Decade Youth Task Force Microgrant Programme 2026 offers a powerful opportunity for youth-led organizations to lead meaningful ecosystem restoration. By supporting innovative, low-cost, and culturally grounded nature-based solutions—especially in the Global South—the programme strengthens global efforts to prevent, halt, and reverse ecosystem degradation.

Environmental groups led by young people are strongly encouraged to apply before 31 December 2025. For More Details, Visit HERE>>