Deadline: August 22, 2026
Applications are open for the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) One Country, One Project 2026. The Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) invites youth-led organisations across the Commonwealth to participate in One Country, One Project 2026, a Commonwealth-wide initiative celebrating practical youth-led action under the International Youth Day 2026 theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
Across the Commonwealth, young people face different realities but share common aspirations for stronger, more inclusive and sustainable communities. One Country, One Project celebrates young people who are turning those aspirations into practical action.
Your project could tackle challenges in:
- Climate Action
- Education & Skills
- Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship
- Technology & AI
- Health & Well-being
- Peacebuilding
- Civic Participation
- Gender & Inclusion
- Arts, Culture & Sports
- Community Development & Volunteerism
Benefits
- One outstanding project from each participating Commonwealth country, where the required standard is met, will be recognised as its: One Country, One Project 2026 Awardee.
Eligibility
- One Country, One Project is open to eligible youth-led organisations across Commonwealth member states, including: National Youth Councils, Youth-led Organisations, Youth Networks & Associations, Student Organisations, Community-Based Youth Organisations, Youth Social Enterprises
- Each organisation may register one project.
What they are looking for:
- Your project doesn’t need to be the biggest.
- They are looking for meaningful youth-led action that creates measurable community impact.
- Projects will ultimately be assessed on: Impact, Youth Leadership, Innovation, Relevance, Inclusion, Quality of Implementation, Sustainability, Potential for Scale.
- Projects may include events, campaigns, training, community activities or other interventions , but should address a clear community need and demonstrate tangible results.
Application
Here is how it works:
- Tell them about the project your organisation is implementing.
- Implement your project in your community between 12 August and 20 September 2026.
- You do not need to wait for selection before starting your project.
- Submit a Project Completion Report showing what you did, who you reached and the impact you achieved.
- Outstanding completed projects will be shortlisted and assessed at country level.
For more information, visit Commonwealth Youth Council.
