IUCN Save Our Species, in partnership with the European Commission, is pleased to announce the opening of the call for proposals for the European Fund for Youth Action on Pollinators, a unique funding opportunity designed to support and inspire young people across Europe to take meaningful action for pollinator conservation. 

Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects are essential for healthy ecosystems, biodiversity, and food production. Yet they are increasingly under threat from habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and other pressures. This initiative aims to put young people at the heart of the solution. 

Through this fund, youth-led civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations which have a youth chapter active in pollinator conservation in the EU, and young individuals, are eligible to receive grants to support impactful actions – such as creating pollinator-friendly habitats, raising awareness of pollinator importance, conducting research to better understand the threats pollinators face, and developing innovative solutions to help protect and restore pollinator populations.  

The Fund aims to foster engagement of young people in implementing the actions of the revised EU Pollinators Initiative: A New Deal for Pollinators, thereby harnessing the potential of European youth for pollinator conservation. It also aligns with the IUCN Youth Strategy 2022–2030, emphasising the power of youth-led, and contributes to key regional and global biodiversity goals, including the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Global Biodiversity Framework.    

Projects funded under these two calls can run up to 15 months and must be implemented within EU countries*.  

Grant details: 

• Up to €70,000 for eligible youth-led organisations or NGOs with a youth chapter active in pollinator conservation 

• Up to €15,000 for individual applicants aged 18–35, who are EU citizens and based in the country where the project will be implemented 

This is a powerful opportunity for young people to lead the way in restoring and protecting pollinator populations across Europe. 

Applications are now open. Be part of the movement to safeguard our shared future. 

Missed the info sessions?

The recording of the information session for individuals applying for grants up to EUR 15,000 was held on 8 July 2025, and is available here: View the recording
The recording of the information session for organisations applying for grants up to EUR 70,000 was held on 9 July 2025, and is available here: View the recording

IUCN Grants Portal demonstration video

*EU overseas countries, territories, and outermost regions are not eligible.