IB Global Youth Action Fund 2026: Secure Up to $3,000 for Your Social Impact Project

Empowering the Next Generation: Global Youth Action Fund 2026 Applications Now Open

Are you a secondary school student with a vision to change the world? The International Baccalaureate (IB) has officially opened the application window for the Global Youth Action Fund 2026.

This prestigious award provides young changemakers with the financial backing, mentorship, and global platform needed to turn grassroots initiatives into impactful social movements. Whether you are an IB student or enrolled in any secondary school worldwide, this is your chance to lead the way toward a more sustainable future.

What is the Global Youth Action Fund?

The Global Youth Action Fund is a cornerstone of the IB’s commitment to fostering a more peaceful world. Since its inception, the fund has awarded grants to over 290 projects led by more than 440 young people globally.

From tackling climate change in Jakarta and advancing gender equity in Nairobi to building digital inclusion in Lima, the fund supports projects that address local challenges with global relevance. It is part of the broader Festival of Hope initiative, designed to help youth transform complex global challenges into stories of resilience and action.

Why You Should Apply

For students at KLM Institute and beyond, this fund is more than just a financial grant; it is an incubator for leadership and social entrepreneurship.

Financial Support: Selected students receive up to $3,000 USD in grant funding (depending on project needs) to develop or transform their powerful ideas.
Expert Mentorship: Awardees gain direct access to firsthand insights from leading social entrepreneurs and industry experts.
Global Networking: Connect with a peer group of motivated student awardees from around the world to share insights and build collective hope.
Recognition: Gain a platform to showcase your work within the global IB community and the Festival of Hope.

“Young people today are showing great resilience and curiosity in the face of global challenges... We are delighted to support these young leaders in their inspiring efforts.” — Dr. Nicole Bien, Chief Community Partnerships & Development Officer for the IB.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for the 2026 cycle, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Age: Students must be between 12 and 19 years old.
Enrollment: You must be enrolled in a secondary school. Note that you do not need to be enrolled at an IB World School to apply.
SDG Alignment: Each project must be aimed at supporting at least one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Timeline: Applications are open strictly from 12–30 January 2026.

How to Apply

The application window is brief, making it essential to act quickly. Students can visit the official IB website for more details on the submission process, including the full terms and conditions.

As Sadhika Kapoor, a student awardee from Vietnam, noted: "Discovering that [industry experts] began their changemaking journeys at the same age as us made them even more compelling role models."

Master the IBDP with KLM Institute

At KLM Institute, we believe in the power of youth-led change and academic excellence. To help you succeed in your changemaking journey and beyond, we offer the best guidance through online classes for the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).

Our subject experts, each possessing more than 15 years of experience in the IBDP curriculum, provide comprehensive support across a wide range of subjects:

Sciences & Math: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS).
Individuals & Societies: Economics, Business Management, Geography, Global Politics, Psychology, and History.
Languages: English, French, Spanish, and Hindi.
The IB Core: Expert coaching for Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and all Internal Assessments (IA).

Unlock your potential with personalized learning and industry-leading expertise. Whether you are aiming for a 45-point diploma or seeking to launch a world-changing project, KLM Institute is here to guide you every step of the way.