Applications open for India Youth Fund

Youth-led organisations working towards sustainable urban development can apply for funds and support

Youth-led organisations looking for financial support to fund their initiatives in the year 2014 can apply for grants from the India Youth Fund (IYF) which is a joint initiative of UN-HABITAT and Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation. The fund had awarded 7 organisations across India with grants of up to INR 8 lakh each last year along with an intense week-long training programme to ready the awardees with functional knowledge in sustainable youth development.

To be eligible for the grant, organisations which are applying must be led by young people within the age bracket of 15 and 32 years of age. More than 50% of the management team should fall within the prescribed age limit for the organisation to be held eligible. The planned projects for which the organisation is seeking funding should be based in cities or towns with an aim to improve the status of India’s urban youth.

Organisations working in the following focus areas will be considered eligible:

1. Urban Land, Legislation and Governance

2. Urban Planning and Design

3. Urban Economy

4. Urban Basic Services

5. Access to Health Information and Facilities

6. Housing and Slum Upgrading

7. Risk Reduction and Rehabilitation

8. Research and Capacity Development

India Youth Fund is part of the Global Youth Fund by the UN-HABITAT Governing Council. It is organised by the UN-HABITAT and Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation to empower the youth in India who have a vision for urban development. The fund helps transform ideas into reality by mentoring organisations and supporting them with finance and training. The fund helps projects get set up starting with their incubation stage up to the point that they can be self-sustained.

Leni Chaudhuri, Program Manager (Health), Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation said, “Through the India Youth Fund, we try to create a unique platform for all youth-driven organizations to mobilize their focus in deserved areas for development in our country. Today’s youth has the power to effect change in society and by focusing on sustainable urban development, we look forward to contributing to the overall development of the economy.”

The deadline for applications is 15 April 2014.

To apply for the India Youth Fund, please visit: http://unhabitatyouthfund.org