About the COVID-19 Young Leaders Fund

In May 2020, One Young World launched a fund for young leaders’ initiatives that are directly battling the pandemic around the world.

Young people are part of the most connected, informed, and resourceful generation in human history. By connecting young leaders with grants, One Young World has aimed to help Covid-19 responses whilst remaining on the path to achieving the SDGs.

One Young World’s network of 12,000+ exceptional young leaders in over 190 countries around the world, was the resource that allowed the team to quickly and effectively identify young leaders for funding.

With this expertise, One Young World raised $450,000+ due to the invaluable support of 4 generous philanthropic organisations.

Young leaders aged 18-35 from all countries in the world were invited to apply for grants ranging between $5,000 - $20,000 for their initiatives addressing the wide-ranging impact of the pandemic. These candidates were judged on the following criteria:

• Utilitarian - impact is generated efficiently and for the maximum number of people

• Urgent - impact could be generated rapidly in response to the immediate threat

• Underserved - impact was targeted at the most vulnerable, and at-risk people

The selected applicants have implemented the funding to outstanding effect, helping over 630,000 of the most vulnerable people around the world with medical supplies, nutritional relief, mental health support, and other forms of vital assistance.