During our younger years, adults never stopped reminding us that children are the future of the world. And since then, from schooling until graduation, we have been prepared to be the leaders of our generation. This is why Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have given emphasis on youth, to inform and equip them of their future responsibilities. Thus, directly teaching the youth ways to run an NGO will not be enough to inspire or motivate them.
Preparing to pass on the torch does not happen overnight, or over even a year of training. It is important for the youth to feel that you believe in them and their capabilities and at the same time not pressuring them immediately. One thing about the millennial generation is that the majority do not like being forced into things. It will be best to attract the youths who have great aspirations by giving them options. At current, there are several youth NGOs who set up programs to members of the youth interested in getting involved. New NGOs are already recognized by some organizations which is why there have been funds for new NGOs aimed to help new NGOs achieve their goals. Likewise, opportunities for the youth have been seen as a necessity as well and organizations have been acting on it. Some of the latest opportunities are the following:
1. 2019 Ideas for Action Competition
For the youths aged 18-35 looking into finance and sustainable development, a competition for a team of 6-8 hosted by the World Bank Group and the Business Ethics Research at the Wharton School can be of interest. The main objective of this competition is for participants to be able to encourage fellow youths to conserve our natural resources.
The team who impresses the judges most will win the competition and be awarded many opportunities including the privilege of presenting the outcome of their ideas during the meeting of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund and possible support for the project to be given by the Wharton School. For further information regarding the application procedure, visit their website at: http://www.ideas4action.org/2019-competition/
2. Habitat for Humanity Young Leaders Build 2019 Advocacy Grants
The Habitat for Humanity Young Leaders Build 2019 aims to have the youth from the Asia-Pacific region to take part in volunteering and fundraising as a way to help families who don’t have enough means to live in decent homes. They accept youth volunteers, both individuals and groups in Asia-Pacific regions where there are present Habitat for Humanity offices. Volunteers are expected to show dedication towards developing projects that provide affordable housing for all.
Habitat for Humanity is looking forward to project proposals and grants to those who are deserving and can help achieve the goal of providing decent stable homes for people, one where they won’t need to worry about being expelled. Project proposals which show true potential will be granted up to USD 1000. There is no limit as to how many applications you can submit, and you might even be granted more than one grant.
This project not only aims to address current housing issues like disaster-prone housing and gender-based violence at home but to also inform and encourage the youths who will participate. Through this project, young minds will realize that though they may be young in age, they have the capabilities to improve the lives of many.
To take part and apply in this program, there is a downloadable application form which you can find on their website at: https://www.habitat.org/ap/event/young-leaders-build
3. Diana Award 2019
The Diana Award is a UK based award which honors the late Princess Diana for her humanitarian work at a young age. This award strongly believes in the capabilities of young people, knowing that age should be no hindrance when it comes to contributing to society. People aged 9-25 years old may be nominated for this award for the various humanitarian work they have accomplished for at least a year. Having accomplished humanitarian work is not enough to win this award as this award recognizes good role models – one of which the youth can look up to and be inspired with.
To be nominated for this award, you can apply through their website at https://diana-award.org.uk/award/nomination-centre/
4. Commonwealth Young Person of the Year Award
The Commonwealth Young Person of the year award gives recognition to people aged 15-26 who have been involved in development work for at least a year. This award shows appreciation for the youth who have accomplished a lot when it comes to developing a certain community. For 2019, the main focus will be on development projects involving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The young person of the year award aims not only to recognize the efforts of the youth but for them to be encouraged to do more as well. There will be one grand winner of this award who will receive £6,000 Additionally, this award will also offer prizes for their regional winners who will receive £4,000, and all finalist will be granted £1,000.This way, the winners will have more financial capabilities to lead more initiatives and contribute to sustainable development further.
Application for this award will also be done through their given website at: https://commonwealth-youthexcellence.awardsplatform.com/
5. Culture Resource Production Awards Program
Many grants, activities, and awards have been up and running for various humanitarian work, which is why the Culture Resource Production Awards Program has initiated a program specifically for the arts. For those residing in the Arab region who are in the age group of 12-35, the culture resource has given you the opportunity to produce your projects through grant-giving. The grants to be applied for are in the areas of performing arts, visual arts, literature, music, or film.
A total of 20 youths from Arab countries will be granted up to USD 10,000 for their artistic projects. The application must be submitted in Arabic through their website at: http://mawred.org/programs-and-activities/production-awards/
6. Captain Planet Foundation’s ecoSolution Grants
The Captain Planet Foundation is concerned that the following generations will be unable to enjoy many things nature provides and thus would like to educate the youth to care for the environment. Since there have been many grants for NGOs in developing countries available, the foundation saw the need to focus on youths from the United States. Many of those attending school in the United States have not been practicing sustainability. If this continues on, the following generations will not be able to enjoy the same privileges many of us have. Grants are available from USD 500-2,500 depending on the need for the project proposals. Grants will only be granted to youths who have proven leadership capabilities and have proposals which have promising results to be implemented in schools and communities favorable to the environment.
Application for this grant can be done through their website at: https://captainplanetfoundation.org/grants/ecosolution/
Ultimately, there are a countless number of youths who have great potential to lead and support various causes. The youth of today will need opportunities and resources to successfully implement their plans and eventually be the future leaders of many NGOs.
