Mini-Grants & Scholarships

Do you have a project idea or a passion to create change in your community? Are you looking for funds, networks and an opportunity to build your capacity in project management? Then, why don't you apply for the "Youth for Change" mini-grant awards to get a chance to support your development project and attend our online project management e-course. You might also receive a scholarship to attend the 6th Arab Youth forum in Alexandria, Egypt and an International Youth Conference in 2011/2012!

Don't miss it and apply now!

• YFC Mini-Grant Application Form (English)
• YFC Mini-Grant Application Form (Arabic)

Criteria for Applicants

• Male/female between the ages 18-32 from one of the 22 Arab countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, and Yemen
• Passionate about creating positive change in their community
• Actively engaged in local community (previous involvement in youth organizations, projects or activities)
• Fluent in Arabic (written and spoken) as well as good knowledge of English (written and spoken) to be able to express themselves when presenting the projects in international events (if needed)
• Credibility of the applicant (reference required)
• Access to regular and reliable broadband internet
• Able to use information and communication technologies (for example: blogs, e-mail, discussion forums, online chats)
• A member of TakingITGlobal. Sign up!

Criteria for Youth-led Projects

• A Not-for profit project targeting youth in one of the 22 Arab countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, and Yemen
• Relevant to major challenges/problems in the community, such as health, education, employment, participation, environment, etc
• SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Tangible) objectives and activities
• Anticipated direct results/outcomes (measurable results directed towards the target group and society)
• High level of youth contribution and participation in the project
• Project timeline must be 6 months from March 2011 to September 2011
• Utilization of TIG tools and social networks/new media in project activities

Points will be awarded for creativity, uniqueness, impact and time management

Application Process

To apply, fill in the application form in either Arabic or English and send it to Tala Nabulsi, Program Manager (yfc@takingitglobal.org) no later than 11:00 pm (GMT) by January 20th 2011, along with the following requirements:

• Recent resume/CV and cover letter
• Digital pictures of where the project will take place, if possible, showing the need for the project
• One letter of recommendation from your supervisor at work or internship/voluntary position or school/college/university professor

Selection Process

The selection process will take place in three rounds:

1. A selection committee will review the applications and evaluate them based on the criteria outlined above in order to select 44 potential mini-grant winners. These individuals will be contacted by e-mail no later than 2 weeks after January 20th to arrange for them to attend the 6th Arab Youth Forum in Alexandria, Egypt and present their project ideas.
2. Based on the presentations and individual interviews at the Arab Youth Forum, 22 individuals will be chosen to receive the mini-grants ($1000 US) and the other 22 will receive ($ 500 USD) as well as attend the project management e-course.
3. Selected winners will receive scholarships to attend an international youth conference in 2011/2012.

Expectations from Mini-grant Winners

• Sign a contract with TakingITGlobal and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina that outlines your project activities, start and end dates, as well as your relationship with the Youth for Change team.
• Join a 6-week project management e-course, where you will:
  • Work on weekly assignments
  • Participate actively using our online tools such as blogs, discussion boards, chatting and e-mailing
• Send a 3-month progress report and a final report by the end of your project to the Program Manager and your country coordinator. Deadline October 1st, 2011.
• Work closely with the YFC Program Manager and the coordinator in your county who will be following up on the project progress through: e-mails, online meetings and attending your project activities as well as offering all the support you need.
• Participate in a knowledge-sharing event in your country that will be organized by our host organization and coordinator to showcase your project and share your experiences with other youth in your country.
• Participate in our online live chats.
• Offer your photo and bio to be posted on Youth for Change website as well as a quote about your experience with the Youth for Change program and your project results.
• Complete evaluation forms and surveys as part of our program monitoring and evaluation system.