EMEA grant program to support youth safety and well-being

The EMEA Youth & Wellbeing program is a grant initiative with a total fund of EUR 500,000, aimed at supporting regional organizations working with young people. The primary objective of the program is to help youth benefit from the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in a safe and responsible manner.

The program provides funding to non-governmental organizations and research institutions that work directly with children, youth, families, and educators, or conduct independent research on the impact of AI on the safety, wellbeing, and development of young people.

The program is designed to support practical initiatives and independent research that enhance understanding of how artificial intelligence functions in real-world contexts and contribute to the development of safe and responsible approaches to its use.

Particular emphasis is placed on projects that increase awareness of the opportunities and risks associated with AI, test effective implementation approaches, and introduce measures that promote the safety and wellbeing of youth. The program also aims to strengthen the capacity of organizations working in this field and expand their impact through financial support.

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Candidates must be over 18 years old and represent an active NGO, research institution, or coalition.
• Candidates must primarily work on topics related to youth safety, adolescent wellbeing, or the impact of AI on minors, or propose work that will generate useful evidence or practical tools in these areas.
• Candidates must have the capacity and ability to carry out the work ethically and in a timely manner, be willing to share their methodologies and results, and collaborate with the Board for approvals if required.

Total Fund

EUR 500,000.

Typical Grant Size

Grant amounts will vary depending on the scope and scale of activities and are expected to range from EUR 25,000 to EUR 100,000. For larger programs or network partnerships, multi-year grants may be considered. Eligible costs include reasonable direct and indirect expenses in accordance with the organizations’ policies.

The grant program supports projects focused on enhancing youth safety, wellbeing, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Funding is available to both non-governmental organizations and research institutions working in these areas.

Supported activities for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) include:

• implementation of programs aimed at protecting youth and preventing risks and harm related to the use of artificial intelligence;
• development and delivery of educational initiatives that build safe and effective AI skills among youth, parents, and educators;
• creation of practical tools and solutions that help organizations identify and respond effectively to AI-related risks.

Supported activities for research organizations include:

• research on innovative ways artificial intelligence can support youth development and education;
• studies focused on child safety and adolescent wellbeing in the context of AI use;
• evaluation of youth safety measures and protection practices in real-world settings.

Special consideration is given to projects that produce practical, actionable outcomes, such as analytical reports, toolkits, policy guidance, or validated approaches that can be adopted and used by other organizations.

Application opening date: January 28, 2026

Application deadline: February 27, 2026

Review process and timeline:

• Initial screening: verification of eligibility criteria and completeness of submitted information;
• Board review: technical, ethical, and legal compliance assessment;
• Final approval and contract signing: prior to grant disbursement, approval is required from the legal and communications departments;
• Award and activation: funded partners will launch pilot projects and research in Q2 2026; as results emerge, they will be used to support product development, policymaking, and engagement with regulatory authorities.

To submit an application, candidates must complete the online form and upload the following documents:

• Project title.
• Detailed proposal description (maximum 500 words), including objectives, methodology, timeline, key outcomes, and value for policymakers, product development teams, and NGOs.
• Detailed budget with justification.
• CVs of team members and proof of affiliation with the organization(s).
• Ethics statement and data management plan (if applicable).
• Letters of support or partnership confirmations (if applicable).

Applications can be submitted via the provided link.

Applications are evaluated based on a comprehensive approach that considers organizational eligibility, the project’s potential impact, methodological rigor, and implementation capacity.

The key evaluation criteria include:

• Geographic Eligibility
  The applicant organization must be legally registered in one of the countries within the EMEA region (Europe, the Middle East, or Africa). Proof of registration may be required.
• Alignment with Program Objectives
  The project is assessed based on how effectively it contributes to improving youth safety and wellbeing in the context of artificial intelligence, and whether it delivers practical value for key stakeholders, including policymakers and product development teams.
• Impact and Scalability
  Evaluation includes the project’s potential to deliver measurable positive outcomes for youth, as well as its capacity to scale and influence policy, practice, or product design.
• Methodological Rigor and Ethical Standards
  The quality of the research methodology is reviewed, including safeguards for minors, informed consent procedures, and plans for secure and responsible data handling.
• Implementation Capacity and Resources
  The experience and operational capacity of the team, the realism of the timeline and budget, and the adequacy of data governance and management practices are taken into account.
• Sustainability and Growth Potential
  The project’s potential to continue beyond the grant period and contribute to strengthening local expertise and institutional capacity is also evaluated.

• Detailed proposal (max 500 words).
• Detailed budget and justification.
• Team CVs and institutional affiliation.
• Ethics statement and data handling plan (if relevant).
• Letters of support or partnership confirmation (if relevant).

The implementation of the projects is scheduled to begin in the 1st – 2nd quarters of 2026.

Applicants must have the capacity to deliver work ethically and on time, share methodology and findings, and engage with the Council of Approvals if required.

The organization must be legally registered in an EMEA country. A request for confirmation of the relevant registration may be made.