About the opportunity
The ‘Advocating for Change for Adolescents’ initiative provides catalytic grants to support youth-led advocacy on adolescent health and well-being (AHWB) and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). This phase of the program aims to implement PMNCH AHWB activities at the national level, build the capacity of youth-led and youth-serving organizations, and support follow-up on government commitments. The initiative seeks to strengthen coordination among country partners, empower young advocates, enhance accountability for national government commitments, and raise the visibility of AHWB issues among key stakeholders including government, civil society, UN agencies, and philanthropies.
Funding and benefits
- Grant funding of up to US $15,000 per organization.
- Support for a 12-month project period from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027.
- Capacity building for youth-led and youth-serving organizations in advocacy for AHWB and SRHR.
Who can apply?
- Must be a national youth-led organization, coalition, or network.
- Must be based in one of the following countries: Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, India, or Colombia.
- Youth-led organizations must have young people (aged approximately 15–29) in meaningful leadership or governance roles.
- Youth-serving organizations must have a strong track record of youth engagement.
- Must be legally registered or formally recognized to operate in the country of application.
- Must have demonstrated experience in, or a credible plan for, advocacy, coalition-building, or community engagement on AHWB and/or SRHR.
- Must be willing to work jointly with existing national CAAP coalitions and Coordinating Partners where applicable.
Required documents
- A proposal using the provided template describing key activities.
- A budget breakdown using the provided template.
- Proof of legal registration or formal recognition of the applicant organization.
- A brief organisational profile.
When to apply
- Submission deadline: 12:00 CEST, 21 August 2026.
How to apply
- Prepare the required documents including the proposal, budget, proof of registration, and organizational profile.
- Submit the Expression of Interest by email to Bhavya Nandini (nandinib@who.int).
- Use the subject line: “EOI – Advocating for Change for Adolescents – [Organization Name] – [Country]”.
- Ensure all application materials are in English.
Additional information
- Grant disbursement will be made in installments tied to agreed deliverables and report submissions as specified in the grant agreement.
- Shortlisted organizations may be contacted for a follow-up conversation or clarification.
- Submission of an Expression of Interest does not guarantee funding.
- PMNCH reserves the right to accept or reject applications, request additional information, or amend the terms of the call.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- National youth-led or youth-serving organizations based in the specified 10 eligible countries.
- Organizations with a proven track record or credible plan for advocacy in adolescent health or sexual and reproductive rights.
- Groups that prioritize meaningful leadership roles for young people aged 15-29.
What should you think carefully about?
- You must be legally registered or formally recognized to operate in your country of application.
- Funding is disbursed in installments tied to specific deliverables, which requires robust project management capacity.
- You should be prepared to collaborate with existing national coalitions and partners as part of the initiative's coordination goals.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This grant is designed to help your organization scale its advocacy impact and strengthen its capacity to influence national government commitments. It is a strategic opportunity to raise the visibility of adolescent health issues and build sustainable partnerships with UN agencies and civil society stakeholders over a 12-month project cycle.
Our take
Youth-led organizations in the listed countries with a clear advocacy agenda should apply. It is less suitable for groups lacking formal registration or those without a clear plan for national-level engagement.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
