National Youth Policy grants to youth organisations, Sweden
SOCIAL
The Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society (MUCF) is a public organisation dedicated to improving conditions for young people and civil society. Its mission is to ensure that youth-led projects and civil society policies receive support through state funding (grants), collaboration with authorities, contributions to government initiatives, and knowledge sharing.
Grants are awarded to youth-led, non-profit organisations operating in Sweden that have a democratic decision-making process. These funds can be used to cover daily operational costs, including sand administrative expenses. The amount of each grant varies based on the annual budget and the number of applicants. In the 2023 financial year, nearly SEK 262 million was distributed to 110 organisations serving children and youth.
The Swedish National Youth Policy recognises the significance of encouraging youth volunteering and supporting independent, youth-led organisations in promoting democratic engagement and active citizenship. In line with this, the 2011 Ordinance on State Grants for Child and Youth Organisations offers financial assistance to non-profit organisations focused on children and youth, empowering young people in the process. These grants allow youth platforms to express their concerns, participate in decision-making processes, and develop leadership skills.
Organisations wishing to apply for grants awarded by the MUCF must comply with a series of requirements:
For youth and children organisations: (1) they must be non-profit organisations, (2) the organisation must have been active in Sweden at least for two years, (3) at least 60 per cent of the organisation's members must be aged between 6 and 25, (4) the organisation must have a minimum of 1 000 youth members aged 6-25, (5) the organisation must have member associations in at least five countries.
For youth and children organisations representing people with disabilities: (1) the organisation must have at least 200 members aged 6-25, (2) the organisation must have member associations in at least three countries.
For youth and children organisations representing national minorities: (1) the organisation must have at least 200 members between 6 and 25 years old, and (2) conduct locally based activities that are geographically well‑distributed in relation to where their members are located.
The MUCF monitors the use of funds and reports on outcomes to the government each year. The most recent available report, for the 2023 financial year, shows that SEK 262 million was distributed to 114 children and youth organisations. On average, these organisations received SEK 2.2 million, which they invested in the following activities: (1) employees, (2) direct contributions, (3) business, and (4) administration.
The evaluation concludes that the allocation and impact of funding continue to align with the original goals, showing clear effectiveness in building relationships, enhancing well-being, and fostering independence among young people. Organisations report that grants enable them to create meeting spaces for young people with shared interests, thereby boosting social inclusion and participation. Several organisations also note that the funding supports leadership development through training, empowering young individuals.
MUCF. (n.d.). Children and youth organisations. Retrieved from https://www.mucf.se/bidrag/barn-och-ungdomsorganisationer
MUCF. (2025, June 17). Use and effects of organisational grants. Retrieved from https://www.mucf.se/publikationer/organisationsbidragens-anvandning-och-effekter-0
OECD. (2024, November 26). Government grants to youth organisations – Sweden. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-youth-policy-toolkit_41fab624-en/government-grants-to-youth-organisations-sweden_d90ebd42-en.html