The UEFA Foundation for Children Scholarship 2026 invites nonprofit organisations globally to secure financing for projects that champion children’s rights through sport, health, education, and social inclusion. This annual call for projects provides critical support to initiatives that directly benefit children under 18.
The UEFA Foundation for Children, established by UEFA, supports initiatives that use football and sport as tools for social development. The foundation’s mission is to ensure every child has the opportunity to play, learn, and grow in a safe environment. It funds projects worldwide and upholds strict ethical principles in its grantmaking.
UEFA Foundation for Children Benefits
- Funding proportional to project size; co-funding encouraged.
- Support for humanitarian or emergency assistance.
- Partnership opportunities with UEFA Foundation.
- Visibility through UEFA’s global platform.
UEFA Foundation for Children Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a legally registered organisation (minimum 3 years of existence).
- Provide audited financial reports for the last 3 years.
- Respect the foundation’s ethics code.
- Projects must involve children under 18 (at least 20% girls).
- Must not primarily focus on scouting or promoting young talent.
Required Documents
- Online application via candidate registration platform.
- Organisational registration and audits.
- Detailed project proposal (objectives, beneficiaries, sustainability plan).
- Budget breakdown.
Ethics Code Principles
Projects must respect the foundation’s values, including:
- Children’s Rights – promoting fundamental rights as per international conventions.
- Participation – listening to beneficiaries and tailoring solutions.
- Sustainable Development – ensuring long‑term impact and environmental protection.
- Gender Equality – empowering women and girls.
- Transparency & Independence – impartiality, accountability, and rejection of corruption.
How to Apply for UEFA Foundation for Children
- Review the ethics code and selection criteria.
- Prepare a detailed project proposal aligned with the foundation’s objectives.
- Submit the application via the candidate registration platform
- Await the final decision at the autumn Board of Trustees meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the UEFA Foundation for Children Scholarship 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the UEFA Foundation for Children call for projects?
It is an annual grant programme that funds projects promoting children’s rights, health, education, access to sport, personal development, integration of minorities, and protection of children’s rights worldwide. Projects typically involve football or sport and are run by NGOs, schools, or community organisations.
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Legally registered organisations with at least three years of existence can apply. They must provide audited financial reports for the past three years, respect the foundation’s ethics code, and design projects involving children under 18 with a minimum of 20% girls.
What type of projects are supported?
Supported projects align with health, education, access to sport, personal development, integration of minorities, and protection of children’s rights. They often use football or broader sport activities and must be designed for direct benefit to children.
What are the ethics code principles?
Projects must promote children’s rights as per international conventions, ensure beneficiary participation, pursue sustainable development and environmental protection, advance gender equality by empowering women and girls, and maintain transparency and independence by rejecting corruption.
How is funding decided for successful applicants?
Funding is proportional to the project size, and co-funding is encouraged. The foundation also provides support for humanitarian or emergency assistance. Final decisions are made by the Board of Trustees after a thorough selection process.
When is the application deadline?
The annual call for projects opens in June and closes at the end of July 2026. The exact closing date varies slightly each year, so applicants should check the official platform during this window and submit before the deadline indicated.
How do I apply for the UEFA Foundation for Children grant?
First, review the ethics code and selection criteria. Then prepare a detailed project proposal aligned with the foundation’s objectives. Submit the application via the candidate registration platform during the June-July 2026 window and await the final decision.
What documents are required for the application?
Required documents include an online application via the candidate registration platform, proof of organisational registration, audited financial reports, a detailed project proposal with objectives, beneficiaries, and a sustainability plan, plus a full budget breakdown.
Is this grant only available in Europe?
No, the call is open globally. Projects can be delivered in any country worldwide, and partnerships with local NGOs, schools, and community organisations are welcome. The foundation aims to support children’s rights and wellbeing everywhere, not just in Europe.
How are projects selected for funding?
Selection uses deal-breaker criteria (legal identity, audits, child focus, gender inclusion) and weighted criteria like administrative costs, co-funding, beneficiary numbers, sustainability, minority inclusion, and environmental considerations. The Board of Trustees makes the final decision.
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