The International Baccalaureate (IB) has officially launched its Global Youth Action Fund for the year 2026. This exciting initiative opens doors for young students across the globe. Students between the ages of 12 and 19 can now apply for financial support to bring their community-focused projects to life.
Who Can Apply for the Fund?
The program welcomes applications from a wide range of students. Both individual learners and student groups are eligible to participate. Importantly, the fund is not restricted to IB schools. Students from non-IB schools can also submit their proposals. This inclusive approach ensures diverse participation from various educational backgrounds and geographic locations.
Project Requirements and Focus Areas
Students must develop or implement initiatives that tackle real-world challenges. These projects should address social, environmental, or developmental issues at the community level. Every proposal must align with at least one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). Past funded projects have focused on critical areas like climate action, gender equity, and digital inclusion.
An international panel will review all applications. This committee includes educators, subject matter experts, and youth representatives. They will evaluate projects based on several key criteria. The relevance of the problem, the proposed solution, the potential for lasting impact, and the ability to engage others are all crucial factors in the selection process.
Financial Support and Additional Benefits
Successful applicants will receive grant funding of up to $3,000. The exact amount depends on specific project requirements and decisions made by the fund's committee. However, the support extends far beyond just money.
Selected students gain access to valuable mentorship opportunities. They can connect with experienced social entrepreneurs and peers working on similar initiatives worldwide. This networking component helps young leaders build essential skills and expand their collaborative horizons.
Application Deadline and Program Impact
The application window for the 2026 cycle remains open until January 30, 2026. Students should prepare their proposals carefully to meet this deadline. According to IB officials, the fund has already supported more than 290 projects globally. These initiatives have involved over 440 young people making tangible differences in their communities.
The Global Youth Action Fund represents a core part of IB's broader commitment to youth empowerment. It connects directly to the organization's Festival of Hope, which provides a platform for young people to share experiences and collaborate on solutions. In today's world of social and global uncertainties, such initiatives foster resilience and innovation among the next generation of leaders.
IB representatives emphasize that students are increasingly addressing local challenges with scalable solutions. The fund aims to provide structured support for these efforts while encouraging cross-regional collaboration. By combining financial resources with expert guidance, the program helps students strengthen both their project execution capabilities and their leadership skills.
