Blue Ambition Fund 2026 Call for Applications: Grant Funding for Youth Employment and Sustainable Job Creation in Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Africa

<p class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="156" data-end="690">Organizations working to create employment opportunities for young people and women now have an exciting opportunity to secure funding through the <strong data-start="303" data-end="358">Blue Ambition Fund (BAF) 2026 Call for Applications</strong>. Managed by the <strong data-start="375" data-end="397">Blue Ambition Fund</strong>, which is part of the <strong data-start="420" data-end="447">Wilde Ganzen Foundation</strong> in the Netherlands, this funding opportunity seeks to empower organizations that are committed to promoting economic independence, strengthening small businesses, and creating sustainable employment opportunities for marginalized communities.</p> <p data-start="692" data-end="1080">The Blue Ambition Fund supports non-profit organizations and social enterprises that are implementing innovative solutions to address youth unemployment, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen local economies. Through this open call, eligible organizations from <strong data-start="956" data-end="994">Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Africa</strong> are invited to submit concept notes and organizational information for consideration.</p> <p data-start="1082" data-end="1307">If your organization is working to improve livelihoods through skills development, business support, entrepreneurship, or employment creation, this funding opportunity could provide the resources needed to expand your impact.</p> <h1 data-section-id="l0vo5q" data-start="1314" data-end="1344">About the Blue Ambition Fund</h1> <p data-start="1346" data-end="1560">The <strong data-start="1350" data-end="1378">Blue Ambition Fund (BAF)</strong> is an initiative of the <strong data-start="1403" data-end="1430">Wilde Ganzen Foundation</strong>, a Netherlands-based organization that works with local partners around the world to support sustainable development initiatives.</p> <p data-start="1562" data-end="1786">The Fund is committed to increasing <strong data-start="1598" data-end="1675">economic independence among marginalized youth aged 15–35 years and women</strong> by investing in organizations that create meaningful employment opportunities and strengthen local businesses.</p> <p data-start="1788" data-end="1978">Rather than offering direct funding to individuals, the Blue Ambition Fund invests in organizations capable of delivering long-term, sustainable employment outcomes within their communities.</p> <p data-start="1980" data-end="2150">The Fund believes that empowering young people and women economically contributes to stronger communities, reduced poverty, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.</p> <h1 data-section-id="4z84sy" data-start="2157" data-end="2205">Objectives of the Blue Ambition Fund 2026 Call</h1> <p data-start="2207" data-end="2333">The 2026 funding round focuses on supporting projects that deliver measurable improvements in employment and entrepreneurship.</p> <p data-start="2335" data-end="2426">Specifically, the Fund seeks organizations that can contribute to the following priorities:</p> <h2 data-section-id="1mf4t8d" data-start="2428" data-end="2476">1. Strengthening Small and Growing Businesses</h2> <p data-start="2478" data-end="2625">The Blue Ambition Fund aims to support organizations that help <strong data-start="2541" data-end="2580">Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs)</strong> increase their capacity and competitiveness.</p> <p data-start="2627" data-end="2663">Successful projects should focus on:</p> <ul data-start="2665" data-end="2855"> <li data-section-id="1hu7omk" data-start="2665" data-end="2693">Building business capacity</li> <li data-section-id="10ha41z" data-start="2694" data-end="2718">Improving productivity</li> <li data-section-id="556r0w" data-start="2719" data-end="2747">Supporting business growth</li> <li data-section-id="1f2o50n" data-start="2748" data-end="2780">Strengthening entrepreneurship</li> <li data-section-id="1r80vlh" data-start="2781" data-end="2813">Expanding market opportunities</li> <li data-section-id="1ftjuzc" data-start="2814" data-end="2855">Creating sustainable and dignified jobs</li> </ul> <p data-start="2857" data-end="3033">Organizations should demonstrate how their interventions will contribute to long-term business development while generating employment opportunities for young people and women.</p> <h2 data-section-id="wpx9dm" data-start="3040" data-end="3091">2. Creating Sustainable Employment Opportunities</h2> <p data-start="3093" data-end="3229">The second priority area focuses on helping young people and women gain meaningful employment through workforce development initiatives.</p> <p data-start="3231" data-end="3261">Eligible projects may include:</p> <ul data-start="3263" data-end="3460"> <li data-section-id="1l03myh" data-start="3263" data-end="3290">Technical skills training</li> <li data-section-id="r4nrdf" data-start="3291" data-end="3322">Vocational skills development</li> <li data-section-id="75tric" data-start="3323" data-end="3345">Soft skills training</li> <li data-section-id="axv5bg" data-start="3346" data-end="3363">Career coaching</li> <li data-section-id="9ypr53" data-start="3364" data-end="3397">Employment readiness programmes</li> <li data-section-id="21t9ux" data-start="3398" data-end="3425">Job placement initiatives</li> <li data-section-id="lrgiyw" data-start="3426" data-end="3460">Workforce development programmes</li> </ul> <p data-start="3462" data-end="3595">A key requirement is collaboration with the <strong data-start="3506" data-end="3524">private sector</strong> to ensure that training leads directly to sustainable wage employment.</p> <p data-start="3597" data-end="3768">The Blue Ambition Fund places strong emphasis on programmes that move beyond training alone by guaranteeing or facilitating real employment opportunities for participants.</p> <h1 data-section-id="vutqy9" data-start="3775" data-end="3791">Who Can Apply?</h1> <p data-start="3793" data-end="3845">The Blue Ambition Fund is seeking applications from:</p> <ul data-start="3847" data-end="3894"> <li data-section-id="afk9xw" data-start="3847" data-end="3873">Non-profit organizations</li> <li data-section-id="ji3vmd" data-start="3874" data-end="3894">Social enterprises</li> </ul> <p data-start="3896" data-end="4133">Applicants should have missions that align with the objectives of the Blue Ambition Fund, particularly those focused on youth employment, women&#8217;s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and sustainable livelihoods.</p> <p data-start="4135" data-end="4296">Before applying, organizations are strongly encouraged to review the Fund&#8217;s participation guidelines to determine whether they meet all eligibility requirements.</p> <p style="text-align: center;" data-start="4135" data-end="4296"><a href="https://lnkd.in/epuZ7-Xg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>APPLY HERE</strong></a></p> <h1 data-section-id="zbfz6z" data-start="4303" data-end="4341">Countries Eligible for the 2026 Call</h1> <p data-start="4343" data-end="4440">The current funding round is <strong data-start="4372" data-end="4385">only open</strong> to organizations operating in the following countries:</p> <ul data-start="4442" data-end="4476"> <li data-section-id="a4107k" data-start="4442" data-end="4450">Uganda</li> <li data-section-id="l016i7" data-start="4451" data-end="4461">Ethiopia</li> <li data-section-id="a9zm5f" data-start="4462" data-end="4476">South Africa</li> </ul> <p data-start="4478" data-end="4575">Organizations outside these three countries are <strong data-start="4526" data-end="4542">not eligible</strong> to apply under the current call.</p> <h1 data-section-id="zcwvl7" data-start="4582" data-end="4615">Focus Areas for Funded Projects</h1> <p data-start="4617" data-end="4682">Projects should contribute to one or more of the following areas:</p> <ul data-start="4684" data-end="4996"> <li data-section-id="758ixz" data-start="4684" data-end="4702">Youth employment</li> <li data-section-id="ggvgfc" data-start="4703" data-end="4733">Women&#8217;s economic empowerment</li> <li data-section-id="e8rk2" data-start="4734" data-end="4762">Small business development</li> <li data-section-id="1w78q2u" data-start="4763" data-end="4789">Entrepreneurship support</li> <li data-section-id="k1xwih" data-start="4790" data-end="4810">Skills development</li> <li data-section-id="1b4915z" data-start="4811" data-end="4834">Workforce development</li> <li data-section-id="klohdn" data-start="4835" data-end="4855">Technical training</li> <li data-section-id="75tric" data-start="4856" data-end="4878">Soft skills training</li> <li data-section-id="1tcn7s8" data-start="4879" data-end="4898">Business coaching</li> <li data-section-id="1jjy7u9" data-start="4899" data-end="4921">Employment placement</li> <li data-section-id="1mvayln" data-start="4922" data-end="4948">Sustainable job creation</li> <li data-section-id="1lrj2hu" data-start="4949" data-end="4976">Inclusive economic growth</li> <li data-section-id="1cy56mi" data-start="4977" data-end="4996">Capacity building</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="1i1bykk" data-start="5003" data-end="5021">Funding Timeline</h1> <p data-start="5023" data-end="5108">Organizations should take note of the important dates for the 2026 application cycle.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1yi1ej" data-start="5110" data-end="5125">1 July 2026</h3> <p data-start="5127" data-end="5152">Application window opens.</p> <p data-start="5154" data-end="5182">Applicants begin submitting:</p> <ul data-start="5184" data-end="5223"> <li data-section-id="16ip53w" data-start="5184" data-end="5208">Organizational details</li> <li data-section-id="14njp20" data-start="5209" data-end="5223">Concept note</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="1w2rywo" data-start="5225" data-end="5247">July – August 2026</h3> <p data-start="5249" data-end="5298">Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.</p> <p data-start="5300" data-end="5433">This means organizations are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible rather than waiting until the closing date.</p> <h3 data-section-id="14ld5fp" data-start="5435" data-end="5453">15 August 2026</h3> <p data-start="5455" data-end="5476">Application deadline.</p> <p data-start="5478" data-end="5536">All required documents must be submitted before this date.</p> <h3 data-section-id="16wdi5a" data-start="5538" data-end="5558">1 September 2026</h3> <p data-start="5560" data-end="5602">Announcement of shortlisted organizations.</p> <p data-start="5604" data-end="5682">Selected organizations will move to the next stage of the application process.</p> <h3 data-section-id="9an4am" data-start="5684" data-end="5712">September – October 2026</h3> <p data-start="5714" data-end="5802">Shortlisted organizations will be invited to submit additional documentation, including:</p> <ul data-start="5804" data-end="5912"> <li data-section-id="ouasup" data-start="5804" data-end="5831">Most recent annual report</li> <li data-section-id="csc9mf" data-start="5832" data-end="5854">Financial statements</li> <li data-section-id="fbkan6" data-start="5855" data-end="5885">Complete funding application</li> <li data-section-id="1ti8rfs" data-start="5886" data-end="5912">Due diligence assessment</li> </ul> <p data-start="5914" data-end="5974">Applicants will also participate in a short video interview.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1hoqltw" data-start="5976" data-end="6008">November 2026 – January 2027</h3> <p data-start="6010" data-end="6040">Successful organizations will:</p> <ul data-start="6042" data-end="6156"> <li data-section-id="kh45nk" data-start="6042" data-end="6065">Sign grant agreements</li> <li data-section-id="16isva7" data-start="6066" data-end="6101">Complete contracting requirements</li> <li data-section-id="184sw7g" data-start="6102" data-end="6156">Begin implementation with Blue Ambition Fund support</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="8vko7r" data-start="6163" data-end="6184">Application Process</h1> <p data-start="6186" data-end="6285">Organizations interested in applying should carefully follow each stage of the application process.</p> <h2 data-section-id="18m0qh2" data-start="6287" data-end="6296">Step 1</h2> <p data-start="6298" data-end="6385">Read the Blue Ambition Fund participation guidelines thoroughly to confirm eligibility.</p> <h2 data-section-id="18m0qh1" data-start="6392" data-end="6401">Step 2</h2> <p data-start="6403" data-end="6455">Complete the required <strong data-start="6425" data-end="6454">Organization Details Form</strong>.</p> <h2 data-section-id="18m0qh0" data-start="6462" data-end="6471">Step 3</h2> <p data-start="6473" data-end="6500">Prepare a <strong data-start="6483" data-end="6499">Concept Note</strong>.</p> <p data-start="6502" data-end="6526">The concept note should:</p> <ul data-start="6528" data-end="6699"> <li data-section-id="11m1xzx" data-start="6528" data-end="6561">Be no more than <strong data-start="6546" data-end="6561">1,500 words</strong></li> <li data-section-id="13nxfhh" data-start="6562" data-end="6601">Clearly describe the proposed project</li> <li data-section-id="6prz11" data-start="6602" data-end="6660">Demonstrate alignment with Blue Ambition Fund priorities</li> <li data-section-id="zsp5oh" data-start="6661" data-end="6699">Explain expected outcomes and impact</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="18m0qgz" data-start="6706" data-end="6715">Step 4</h2> <p data-start="6717" data-end="6759">Submit both documents before the deadline.</p> <p data-start="6761" data-end="6783">Applicants must email:</p> <ul data-start="6785" data-end="6827"> <li data-section-id="81agfb" data-start="6785" data-end="6812">Organization Details Form</li> <li data-section-id="14mwhx4" data-start="6813" data-end="6827">Concept Note</li> </ul> <p data-start="6829" data-end="6832">to:</p> <ul data-start="6834" data-end="6878"> <li data-section-id="10hvw25" data-start="6834" data-end="6856"> <a href="mailto:marit@wildeganzen.nl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">marit@wildeganzen.nl</a></li> <li data-section-id="1ikbr9p" data-start="6857" data-end="6878"> <a href="mailto:esly@wildeganzen.nl">esly@wildeganzen.nl</a></li> </ul> <p data-start="6880" data-end="6900">Submission deadline:</p> <p data-start="6902" data-end="6920"><strong data-start="6902" data-end="6920">15 August 2026</strong></p> <p data-start="6902" data-end="6920">Visit <a href="https://www.wildeganzen.org/programs/blue-ambition-fund/baf-call-for-applications#info" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HERE</strong> </a>to learn more about the Blue Ambition Fund 2026 Call for Applications.</p> <h1 data-section-id="1geis8l" data-start="6927" data-end="6959">Why Organizations Should Apply</h1> <p data-start="6961" data-end="7025">Organizations selected for funding will gain the opportunity to:</p> <ul data-start="7027" data-end="7412"> <li data-section-id="puldji" data-start="7027" data-end="7063">Expand youth employment programmes</li> <li data-section-id="1sbd8lx" data-start="7064" data-end="7110">Strengthen local entrepreneurship ecosystems</li> <li data-section-id="1a0h9w9" data-start="7111" data-end="7149">Support women’s economic empowerment</li> <li data-section-id="op293u" data-start="7150" data-end="7182">Increase business productivity</li> <li data-section-id="164feaz" data-start="7183" data-end="7227">Build partnerships with the private sector</li> <li data-section-id="1dcenkd" data-start="7228" data-end="7270">Deliver workforce development programmes</li> <li data-section-id="1nn5m1a" data-start="7271" data-end="7316">Create sustainable employment opportunities</li> <li data-section-id="1da64o0" data-start="7317" data-end="7369">Scale innovative community development initiatives</li> <li data-section-id="tfhm1d" data-start="7370" data-end="7412">Increase long-term organizational impact</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="lxcbja" data-start="7419" data-end="7453">Key Themes Supported by the Fund</h1> <p data-start="7455" data-end="7515">The Blue Ambition Fund promotes projects that contribute to:</p> <ul data-start="7517" data-end="7737"> <li data-section-id="ko6hfm" data-start="7517" data-end="7539">Economic empowerment</li> <li data-section-id="758ixz" data-start="7540" data-end="7558">Youth employment</li> <li data-section-id="19nfmmq" data-start="7559" data-end="7579">Women&#8217;s employment</li> <li data-section-id="1fq8w3t" data-start="7580" data-end="7605">Sustainable livelihoods</li> <li data-section-id="15qe4o9" data-start="7606" data-end="7624">Entrepreneurship</li> <li data-section-id="1472gjk" data-start="7625" data-end="7648">Small business growth</li> <li data-section-id="k1xwih" data-start="7649" data-end="7669">Skills development</li> <li data-section-id="1cy56mi" data-start="7670" data-end="7689">Capacity building</li> <li data-section-id="3t77kw" data-start="7690" data-end="7722">Inclusive economic development</li> <li data-section-id="ncn3vq" data-start="7723" data-end="7737">Job creation</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="7axmmv" data-start="7744" data-end="7770">Why This Funding Matters</h1> <p data-start="7772" data-end="7989">Youth unemployment remains one of the greatest development challenges across many African countries. At the same time, women continue to face barriers to accessing decent employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.</p> <p data-start="7991" data-end="8208">The Blue Ambition Fund recognizes that supporting organizations working directly with these communities can generate sustainable change by improving skills, strengthening businesses, and creating dignified employment.</p> <p data-start="8210" data-end="8353">By investing in local organizations with innovative solutions, the Fund contributes to stronger local economies and more inclusive development.</p> <h1 data-section-id="68esz0" data-start="8360" data-end="8370">Deadline</h1> <p data-start="8372" data-end="8412"><strong data-start="8372" data-end="8412">Application Deadline: 15 August 2026</strong></p> <p data-start="8414" data-end="8561">Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early, as submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the application period.</p> <h1 data-section-id="fsb6xx" data-start="8568" data-end="8580">Conclusion</h1> <p data-start="8582" data-end="8903">The <strong data-start="8586" data-end="8635">Blue Ambition Fund 2026 Call for Applications</strong> presents an excellent opportunity for non-profit organizations and social enterprises in <strong data-start="8725" data-end="8763">Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Africa</strong> to secure funding for projects that promote youth employment, women&#8217;s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable job creation.</p> <p data-start="8905" data-end="9343">Organizations with innovative programmes that strengthen small businesses, build workforce skills, and collaborate with the private sector to create lasting employment opportunities are strongly encouraged to apply. With a structured selection process and a clear focus on long-term impact, the Blue Ambition Fund continues to invest in initiatives that empower marginalized communities and contribute to sustainable economic development.</p> <p data-start="9345" data-end="9530">Interested organizations should carefully review the eligibility guidelines, prepare a compelling concept note, and submit all required documents before the <strong data-start="9502" data-end="9520">15 August 2026</strong> deadline.</p> <p data-start="9532" data-end="9724">For more international grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, conferences, and other opportunities, visit <strong data-start="9653" data-end="9686">Opportunities for Youth (OFY)</strong> at <strong data-start="9690" data-end="9723"><a class="decorated-link" href="http://www.opportunitiesforyouth.org" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="9692" data-end="9721">www.opportunitiesforyouth.org</a></strong>.</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/07/28/blue-ambition-fund-2026-call-for-applications-grant-funding-for-youth-employment-and-sustainable-job-creation-in-uganda-ethiopia-and-south-africa/">Blue Ambition Fund 2026 Call for Applications: Grant Funding for Youth Employment and Sustainable Job Creation in Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Africa</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>