Alongside the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, the Unlock the Future coalition has announced the Funders Collective, a new funding initiative to support children and young people who are driving grassroots initiatives to tackle global challenges and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It unites some of the world’s largest child- and youth-focused organisations to create a more effective funding ecosystem for young people.
Unlike traditional funding models, it will provide flexible, multi-year funding and comprehensive support that empowers young leaders, especially those from marginalised communities, to create systemic impact. By uniting resources, mentorship, and innovation, the Funders Collective bridges the critical gap where only 6% of global aid currently reaches young people.
The Funders Collective brings together the world’s largest child- and youth-focused organisations under the Unlock the Future coalition —AIESEC, The Big Six Youth Organisations – including World YMCA – Kofi Annan Foundation, Mercy Corps, Search for Common Ground, and others —who share a common goal: to create a more supportive and effective funding ecosystem for young people. By pooling resources, networks, and knowledge, these organisations will support young leaders in breaking down the barriers that have long limited their access to funding.