Council of Europe EYF Grants: The Ultimate Guide for Funding Youth Projects

Overview of the Council of Europe EYF

The European Youth Foundation (EYF) is a funding initiative under the Council of Europe that empowers youth organizations and projects. Since its establishment in 1972, EYF has focused on promoting democracy, human rights, and international cooperation among young people across Europe.

EYF grants champion projects and activities that reflect the Council of Europe’s core values. Funding supports grassroots initiatives and major campaigns, offering vital resources for projects that make lasting, positive social impact.

Types of EYF Grants Available

The EYF provides several grant types to accommodate different project needs and organizational capacities, including:

1. International Activities Grants: Support for meetings, seminars, and training involving youth from multiple countries.

2. Annual Work Plan Grants: Funding for organizations running a series of related activities throughout the year, aimed at achieving strategic goals.

3. Structural Grants: Assistance with the operational costs of international youth NGOs or networks engaged in European youth work.

4. Pilot Activity Grants: Small-scale support for local or regional initiatives testing new ideas or responding to emerging youth issues.

Eligibility Criteria for EYF Funding

EYF funding is open to non-governmental youth organizations and networks located in Council of Europe member states. Eligible applicants must pursue objectives that align with those of the Council of Europe, emphasizing youth empowerment, participation, and human rights education.

Projects should be led by, with, and for young people aged 15–30. However, exceptions exist for certain training or leadership initiatives. Some grant categories may also consider applications from informal youth groups, provided they demonstrate a clear youth-led approach.

Application Process and Timeline

Applying for an EYF grant starts with registering on the EYF online platform (eyf.coe.int). Applicants must then submit the appropriate forms along with all supporting documents directly through the portal.

Different grant types have specific deadlines, set annually. Always consult the official EYF website for the latest calls and timelines. Each application undergoes both technical and qualitative evaluation by EYF staff and external experts, with decisions typically issued within a few weeks of submission.

For a step-by-step breakdown of the EYF application process and tips to maximize your chances, see our detailed guide on how to qualify and win funding for youth projects.

Tips for Preparing a Successful Application

To improve your chances of securing EYF funding:

• Align your project with Council of Europe priorities such as youth rights, participation, diversity, and inclusion.

• Define clear, achievable project goals, identify your target groups, and outline key outcomes and implementation strategies.

• Present a transparent, realistic budget. Where possible, show evidence of co-funding or community support.

• Highlight the meaningful involvement of young people in project design and execution.

Begin preparing well before the deadline. Carefully review all EYF guidelines to ensure a complete, compliant application.

If you’re looking to explore other relevant grant opportunities, check our comprehensive list of top grants to apply for in 2026.

Evaluation Criteria and Scoring

EYF grant proposals are assessed according to specific criteria. Key areas include:

• Relevance: How closely the project contributes to Council of Europe youth sector priorities.

• Impact: The potential for positive change among young people and wider communities.

• Innovation: Use of creative or new approaches to address current challenges.

• Feasibility: Clear planning, sound budgeting, and sufficient organizational capacity.

Assessment is carried out by independent reviewers. All applicants receive feedback—whether selected for funding or not—to support future development.

About Grants

Find grants with our guides.

Visit https://dev.grants.com/wizard to start.