International Labour Organization — PROSPECTSE4Impact Africa Foundation

International Labour Organization × E4Impact Africa Foundation

Apply to the Innovation Challenge

The ILO, in partnership with E4Impact Africa Foundation, invites youth-led non-profit organisations in Turkana and Garissa to apply.

Deadline — 26 August 2026, 23:59 EAT

01 — About

Strengthening youth-led organisations in Turkana and Garissa

The ILO-E4Impact Youth Leadership Lab Innovation Challenge aims to identify and strengthen youth-led organisations in Turkana and Garissa that support young people — especially refugees, host-community youth, young women and persons with disabilities — to access decent work and sustainable livelihoods.

5-day
Bootcamp
10–12 months
Lab support
USD 15K–40K
Milestone-based grants

Selection does not automatically guarantee grant funding.

02 — Thematic Tracks

Three tracks, one clear local need

Your project should fit under at least one of these three tracks, respond to a clear local need, and be practical to implement in Turkana and/or Garissa.

Green transitions and climate-resilient livelihoods

Initiatives that support youth employment or livelihoods while protecting the environment and adapting to climate change — for example in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, climate-smart solutions or natural resource management.

Labour rights and youth voice in the world of work

Initiatives that help young people understand their rights at work, improve working conditions, participate in social dialogue, raise concerns safely, and promote non-discrimination, occupational safety and health, and fair treatment at work.

Youth leadership and social accountability for decent work

Projects that strengthen the capacity of youth-led organisations to engage with authorities, employers and private sector, workers' organisations (trade unions) and communities to promote decent jobs, better working conditions, inclusion and gender equality at the workplace.

03 — Eligibility

Who can apply

You can apply if your organisation

  • Is a youth-led non-profit organisation. Organisations can apply alone or together with partner organisations in a consortium, provided that one lead organisation is identified. A youth-led organisation is one where young people play a meaningful role in governance, staffing, membership, management, decision-making, or implementation

  • Is legally recognised in Kenya with the contractual and registered capacity to sign a grant agreement, and has been in existence for at least two calendar years before the call deadline

  • Has a demonstrated track record of impact in Turkana and/or Garissa counties, with a clear commitment to promoting youth employment, particularly among marginalised groups, including refugees and young women

  • Proposes a project that fits one Innovation Challenge's thematic track

  • Is available to participate fully in the Innovation Challenge and Youth Leadership Lab

Eligible organisations

  • Community-based organisations

  • Refugee-led organisations

  • Non-governmental organisations

  • Faith-based organisations

  • Civil society organisations

  • Cooperatives, self-help groups, local trusts, societies, and vulnerable & marginalised groups

  • Social enterprises (provided they remain not-for-profit)

  • Youth hubs and innovation centres

  • Training institutions

  • Workers'/employers' organisations

Not eligible

  • Applications from individuals

  • Late applications

  • Incomplete applications

  • Multiple applications from the same organisation

  • Applications that do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements

04 — How to Apply

Six steps to submit

  1. 1

    Read the Applicant GuidelinesDownload here

  2. 2

    Check that your organisation meets the eligibility requirements

  3. 3

    Choose your main thematic track

  4. 4

    Complete the online application form

  5. 5

    Prepare your documents for upload

  6. 6

    Submit before the deadline through the official portal

Documents to upload

  • Registration certificate or evidence of formal recognition

  • Two-minute video (link or file)

    Could include team members, an activity you're implementing in session, or your operational setup.

  • One recommendation or reference letter

Draft offline first (optional)

Download the application form to prepare your answers offline, at your own pace or without reliable internet.

Download application form

Filling in this offline form is not a submission. Before the deadline, you must transfer your answers into the official application portal — only responses submitted through the portal will be reviewed.

Deadline — 26 August 2026, 23:59 EAT. There is no fee to apply.

05 — Feedback

Feedback

The ILO-E4Impact Youth Leadership Lab has a confidential, no-cost channel for questions, feedback or concerns, known as the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM). It covers every stage of the programme: outreach, application, selection, pitching, the Bootcamp, Youth Leadership Lab delivery, grant administration and close-out.

To share your feedback, click on the link below.

Open the Feedback Form
accelerator.kenya@e4impact.org+254 712 526 952(Phone / WhatsApp)

06 — FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 26 August 2026, 23:59 EAT

accelerator.kenya@e4impact.org+254 712 526 952 (Phone / WhatsApp)

Please only use these official channels for information, submission, feedback, and updates.