How to Apply Nigeria Youth Futures Fund » Voice of Nigeria

May 25, 2022 Mary

How to apply for the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund – More than 70 percent of Nigeria’s population is made up of young people, with forecasts of continued growth over the next few decades.

Given this significant number, it is clear that Nigeria’s future development is linked to an educated, skilled, healthy and politically active young population involved in the development of long-term policy strategies.

The participation of Nigerian youth in leadership and politics has evolved overtime.

From the legacy of active student federalism (1980s), where universities served as venues for intellectual debate and youth expression, to the youth-organized period supported by the new media (2010-present), the Nigerian youth ecosystem Has experienced re-awakening. Type

The #NotTooYoungToRun campaign (2016-2018) and the significant increase in awareness of youth movements and socio-economic and political indicators in Nigeria are indicative of the growing leadership potential of young Nigerians.

Given the myriad of social challenges and policy failures that young Nigerians face, they are empowered by leading change at the societal level, leading powerful institutions, organizations and groups. Are more and more ready to do.

A report by the African Leadership Institute states that “there are many young African leaders but no seats at the table”.

According to the report, approximately 700,000 young Africans have already reached the level of selective leadership initiatives, which means that the challenge is to harness the innovation, creativity and potential of these young leaders.

How to Apply for the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund – As seen in recent youth movements and protests, it is clear that young Nigerians are already exploring alternative leadership and funding models aided by digital technology.

However, some of these movements have highlighted some leadership, stability and organizational gaps within the Nigerian youth ecosystem.

These include notable dialogue and consensus building methods, vague exit strategies, inability to identify intergenerational partners, and a limited ability to facilitate long-term engagement with the current regime or political structure.

In addition, the efforts made by stakeholders in the Nigerian youth ecosystem are still compromised by the priority of working in silos, leading to duplication of efforts and volatile results.

As a result, Leap Africa, in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation, called for the establishment of the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) in order to sustain their work, targeting youth-led movements in Nigeria. Provide youth ecosystem building and financial support. Facilitate learning opportunities locally.

Enter the thematic field

Employment and education applicants should consider youth-initiated initiatives that focus on helping young people with their education and promoting employment opportunities.

Such initiatives should be inclusive and goal-oriented activities among the youth.

Media, sports and entertainment projects that promote and strengthen youth activities in media, sports and entertainment. Identifying and promoting young media platforms and creative talent should be a priority.

Health concepts should focus on youth health issues such as drug and substance abuse, sexual and reproductive health, mental health and more.

Peacebuilding and security prioritize concepts that promote cultural unity, peaceful coexistence, armed forces and civil relations, and a host of others.

ICT and entrepreneurship: ICT-driven solutions that create value and have a sustainable business model.

Climate change and environmental initiatives and ideas that address drought and desertification, land degradation, more frequent extreme weather events, affected freshwater, loss of water resources and biodiversity.

Civic participation initiatives and ideas that help increase youth participation / participation in politics and leadership.

Guidelines for submission

Applicants should submit a concept note / proposal not exceeding 2000 words, following the guidelines and proposal template provided.

Eligibility criteria for individuals and organizations

Individual Level

The beneficiary must be a Young Change Makers (aged 15- 35 years) with a proven track record, working on a sustainable solution that directly addresses any of the seven thematic areas.
The beneficiary must demonstrate good understanding and experience of strategic planning, vision setting and project management.
The beneficiary must demonstrate experience and knowledge of community or team building following principles of honesty and integrity
The Beneficiary must demonstrate talent and passion for new ways of behaving, norms and actions,
The beneficiary must have genuine means of identification or attached to an institution.
The beneficiary must supply a police clearance report and provide 3 reputable referees.

Organization Level

The organization must be a formally registered organization with the corporate affairs commission of Nigeria. Otherwise, an unregistered organization can form a cluster and apply through a registered organization.
The organization must have a partnership capacity in all the states in their geo-political region.
The organization must have police clearance, tax clearance and SCUML certificate
The organization must have good antecedents and proper track records.
Youth-driven transformation activities, civic and transformation hub depending on the grant category, working on sustainable solutions that directly addresses any of the agreed thematic areas.
The organization must have a physical address, corporate account with good financial standing and records.