Small Grant for Implementing Youth-Led Collective Action Projects in Bangladesh

This opportunity is a part of the Food Systems Youth Leadership initiative under the Nourishing Food Pathways (NFP) programme of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).

This funding aims to support practical, community-focused solutions developed and led by young people. Projects should align with the broader goals of improving food systems through inclusive, locally driven action.

Objectives

• This grant aims to support youth-led collective actions that contribute to healthier, fairer, and more sustainable food systems. It provides grant support to enable youth leaders, youth organizations, clubs or similar groups to implement innovative, community-relevant initiatives that promote:
  • Healthy diets and improved nutrition.
  • Climate-smart and sustainable agriculture practices.
  • Youth-led advocacy and influencing around food systems transformation.
• This initiative aims to complement the broader Bangladesh Food Systems Transformation Pathway Goals by nurturing bottom-up solutions that align with the 5 Action Tracks of UNFSS and empower youth to be active contributors to systemic change.

Scope

• The selected youth or youth organization will be responsible for the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of youth-led projects and campaigns that contribute to improved nutrition and food systems outcomes. The work will be aligned with national priorities and the vision of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Bangladesh N4G Commitments, and the National Plan of Action for UNFSS. Activities may include, but are not limited to, the following thematic areas:
  • Community Awareness & Education:
    • Design and execute school-based youth-led campaigns to promote healthier dietary practices among adolescents.
    • Conduct interactive nutrition awareness sessions in communities targeting different age groups, especially vulnerable populations (e.g., adolescent girls, mothers, and children).
  • Advocacy & Policy Engagement:
    • Facilitate local-level multi-stakeholder consultations to understand nutrition-related gaps and challenges.
    • Conduct advocacy workshops with school management committees, parents, local government representatives, and healthcare workers to build support for youth-driven nutrition initiatives.
  • Research:
    • Conduct participatory research or rapid assessments on themes but not limited to: Food systems transformation, Maternal and adolescent nutrition, Climate-resilient smart agriculture practices, Fresh market infrastructure, Food safety etc.
    • Analyze findings, prepare and present knowledge products such as infographics, reports, poster presentations or evidence briefs to inform programs and advocacy efforts.
  • Innovation Pilots:
    • Design, test, and document youth-led healthy and nutritious canteen models in secondary schools or educational institutions, focusing on affordability, nutrition, and sustainability.
    • Promote healthy diet interventions such as fruit & vegetable carts, nutrition corners in community centres, or mobile food education units.
  • Digital and Innovative Campaigns:
    • Lead storytelling initiatives where youth share personal narratives related to food, nutrition, and health.
    • Design and launch pledge campaigns, social media challenges, or awareness hashtags to promote healthy diet behaviours among young people.

Funding Information

• Each selected project will receive a one-time grant (maximum up to 50,000 BDT)
• Duration: All activities must be implemented within 3-4 months of receiving the grant. The proposed time frame for this collective action will be from 01 July 2025 to 30 October 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

• This opportunity is open to:
  • Youth-led organisations, networks, or groups
  • Groups where the majority of team members are aged 18 – 25
  • Youth-led research organisations, university clubs and similar organisations
  • Initiatives focused on food systems transformation, including themes such as improved nutrition, sustainable agriculture, food safety, food waste reduction, or sustainable food processing solutions.
• Applicant should demonstrate:
  • A clear connection to local food system challenges
  • Youth leadership and ownership in project design and execution
  • Potential for community impact, collaboration, and learning
  • Applications must be submitted by a designated lead applicant on behalf of the group

Evaluation Criteria

• The project proposal will be assessed based on:
  • Previous experience and expertise of the team members
  • Demonstrated understanding of the scope and objectives
  • Innovative cost-effectiveness intervention
  • Stakeholder engagement approach and sustainability plan

For more information, visit SUN Youth Network Bangladesh.