Spark Change-Makers Project: Comprehensive Guide to the Youth-Led & Youth-Focused CSO/Social Enterprise Application (Cohort 1)

The Spark Change-Makers Project, part of the EU–Ghana Youth Empowerment Programme, is a major initiative designed to strengthen youth-led and youth-focused Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Social Enterprises across Ghana. Implemented by SOS Children’s Villages Ghana in partnership with Songtaba and Social Innovation Africa, this programme equips young leaders with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to improve livelihoods and drive sustainable development.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of the application form, eligibility requirements, thematic focus areas, and expectations for organisations seeking to join Cohort 1 of the capacity-strengthening phase.

Overview of the Spark Change-Makers Project

According to the document:

“The Spark Change-makers Project is a European Union co-funded initiative designed to empower young people (18-35) by equipping them with skills, knowledge, and resources to improve their livelihoods and strengthen their participation in sustainable development.”

The project operates across six regions:

• Greater Accra
• Ashanti
• Volta
• Northern
• Western
• Upper East

Eligible organisations may progress to a grant-support phase after completing the capacity-strengthening stage.

Eligibility Summary

To qualify, organisations must meet the following criteria:

• Must be youth-led, youth-focused, or a social enterprise.
• Must operate in at least one of the six implementing regions.
• Must demonstrate strong community engagement.
• Must show commitment to inclusion, sustainability, and environmentally friendly solutions.

Section-by-Section Breakdown of the Application Form

SECTION A: Introduction & Consent

Applicants provide basic organisational details including:

• Name of organisation
• Region of operation
• Community name
• Organisation email
• Primary contact person
• Phone number
• Type of organisation (CSO or Social Enterprise)
• Youth leadership/focus category

SECTION B: Organisational Profile

Legal Status Options

• Registered
• Not registered
• Informally organised and operating for at least 12 months

Mission/Goal of the Organisation

Applicants must clearly state their mission and long-term goals.

Organisational Documents & Systems

Applicants indicate whether they possess:

• Strategic Plan
• Constitution or By-laws
• Financial Policy
• Prior donor funding
• Monitoring & Evaluation system

Thematic Areas (Must Select at Least One)

Organisations must directly address at least one of the following themes:

1. Digital Technology
2. Gender & Youth Empowerment
3. Culture & Creative Industries
4. Agriculture & Environmental Protection
5. Peace & Security

Applicants must provide one concrete example of work done in the selected theme(s).

Youth Leadership Requirements

The document states:

“The CEO / Executive Director must be aged 18-35, OR the majority of the Management must be aged 18-35, OR the organisation’s primary mission and at least 80% of its activities must directly benefit young people aged 18-35.”

Applicants must also provide statistics on:

• Board members
• Staff
• Youth staff
• Youth in leadership

SECTION C: Experience & Impact

Applicants must describe:

• Key activities completed in the last year
• Number of beneficiaries served
• Evidence of impact (reports, documentation, digital content)
• Social media handles

SECTION D: Thematic Focus & Community Impact

Applicants must explain:

• The specific social problem addressed
• Primary beneficiaries and their community
• Significant activities completed in the last 12 months
• Why the community needs the organisation’s work
• Sustainability measures

SECTION G: Capacity & Needs

Applicants must identify:

• Three major capacity gaps
• How the Spark Change-Makers Project will address these gaps
• Sustainability plans after the project ends

SECTION H: Inclusion & Equity

Applicants indicate whether they serve:

• Young women
• Young people with disabilities
• Urban or rural communities
• Environmental sustainability
• Safeguarding policies

They must also describe how their work promotes gender equality and addresses discrimination.

SECTION J: Regional Validation

Applicants confirm:

• Primary region of operation
• Whether they operate in multiple regions

SECTION K: Declaration

Applicants must confirm the accuracy of their information and agree to project terms. The document states:

“Submitting this application does not guarantee selection or grant funding.”

They must also confirm compliance with EU grant regulations and SOS CV Ghana’s data protection policy.

Deadline

Application Deadline: 31st July 2026