Application Deadline: 15 August 2026:
Applications are now open for the 2026 Blue Ambition Fund. The Blue Ambition Fund promotes economic independence among marginalized youth (15-35) and women. For this call, the focus is on: Creating sustainable wage employment opportunities for youth and women through short-term skilling (technical, soft skills and/or coaching) in collaboration with the private sector to guarantee employment.
Supporting Small and Growing Businesses to build capacity to increase their productivity, grow their business and create dignified job opportunities.
Participation Requirements
You can apply for funding from Blue Ambition Fund for a programme that is:
• Supporting Small and Growing Businesses to build capacity to increase their productivity, grow their business and create dignified job opportunities.
And/or
- Creating sustainable wage employment opportunities for youth and women through short-term skilling (technical, soft skills and/or coaching) in collaboration with the private sector to guarantee employment.
Criteria for eligible organisations
• Registered as not-for profit organisation in Uganda, Ethiopia or South Africa. International NGO’s and for-profit organisations are not eligible for funding under this project
• In case of a social enterprise, official documents must state how the company’s profit is reinvested to make social impact
• Be independent and neutral, not affiliated to political parties.
• Have been operating for at least 4 years
- Proven track record on skilling youth and/or business development of high potential small and growing businesses
- Annual budget between 300.000 and 5 million euro
Application Timeline:
- 1 July 2026: start application window (submit concept note + organisational details)
- July – August: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- 15 August 2026: closing application window.
- 1 September 2026: announcement of shortlisted applications
- September – October: shortlisted organisations will be requested to share their most recent annual report including financials, to be invited for a short video call and to submit a complete application including a due diligence assessment.
- November – January: Signing of contracts and start funding
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Blue Ambition Fund
