Before you apply

Take a bit of time before you apply to find out if you are eligible for a Youth in Action project, to get some useful hints and to check the all-important deadlines.

Eligibility check

Project type (called Actions)

Public body

Not-for-profit organisation

Informal group of young people

Youth Exchanges

Youth Initiatives

Youth Democracy Project

Volunteering

 

Co-operation with EU neighbours

 

Training and Networking

Transnational Youth Seminars and National Youth Meetings

 

This grid outlines what sort of organisations or groups can apply. You can find the full eligibility rules in the Programme guide (PDF 1.03MB)

Key: Eligible applicant =

Young man growing a plant

Filling in the form

For nearly all the project types you will need to download and complete the online form (PDF 2.27MB) and fill it in. Attach it to an email and send it along with a printed out version.
 
If you are applying for volunteering there is a separate application form (Word 500KB) to download. Both these forms can be found on the application form page. 
 

Hitting the deadlines

Make sure that you email and post your application at least a day or two before the deadline date so that it arrives in time. If possible, send your application recorded delivery. 

Application deadline

Projects starting between

1 May

1 August and 31 January

1 October

January and 30 June

Activity timings

Try to plan your activity to start at least two months after your project start date. This will allow time for the first payment to be made before you get going properly.

Your project can last up to 15 months. Remember, the activity must be a minimum of six days in length and a maximum of 21 days and must occur within the project dates.

Common errors

On the form you will be asked to tick boxes to show how your project reflects the themes, priorities and objectives of Youth in Action.

Don’t just tick as many as possible. Instead, make sure that your project proposal:

  • links to one ‘permanent priority’ – one of the priorities that stays the same from year to year
  • demonstrates how this priority is reflected in your project’s aims and objectives and throughout your plans
  • includes a detailed Activity Programme that uses non-formal learning methods and clearly links to the programme’s priorities
  • outlines your plans to pass on the results and to make the project sustainable as possible.

Helpful hints

Do

  • Be descriptive and make sure that the theme of your project is clear throughout.
  • Show how you have collaborated with your partners in the development of the proposal.
  • Include all the necessary documentation (partner agreement forms, original signatures, proof of legal status) to avoid delaying the application.

Don’t

  • Use jargon or flowery language.
  • Make the activity dates too short or before the eligible period.
  • Leave it all too late to apply.

Getting help

You should always use the Programme guide (PDF 1.03MB) when putting together an application. Make sure you read ‘Part C: Information for Applicants’.
 
Visit Links and downloads to find organisations that can help you to find partners along with contact details of Information Providers who can offer advice and support throughout the application process.
 
Training and networking opportunities exist for anyone who is planning or considering Youth in Action projects. Visit Training for project leaders to find out more.

Working out a budget

The amount that you ask for will depend on:

  • how long you allocate to your activities  
  • the number of people you include in the project
  • where you locate your project.

You will need to include a budget breakdown of these costs in your application. We can’t award more than you ask for and we can only award costs that are allowed in the funding rules.

We don’t expect that this funding will cover all of your costs so you should make sure that you have some additional funds that you can use to supplement or co-finance the project.

Please refer to the funding rules (PDF 24 KB) for more information on how to create a budget.