What young people lack is not capacity or creativity, but timely, trusting support that values their leadership.
Across India, and especially in marginalised, climate-vulnerable and economically excluded communities, young people face intensifying climate risks, shrinking civic space and limited access to dignified livelihoods and relevant education. Yet they remain on the front line, with immense potential to lead change.
The Youth Fund, supported by Porticus, is a catalytic resource that equips young changemakers to identify local priorities and take collective action, with support from local organisations. Its first phase was piloted across climate resilience and active citizenship. Its second phase has expanded across Karnataka.
These are grassroots solutions led by young people with lived experience, anchored by local mentor organisations. They shift where resources and decisions sit: away from institutions and into young people's hands.
Impact so far
14 grantees and 15 youth-led initiatives, including five new grantees in the current round.
Inside the Youth Fund
How the Fund works, what has changed, and the stories of the organisations and young people it has backed.
Where the Fund works now
These initiatives go beyond service delivery. They shift power, build resilience and show what inclusive, youth-led systems change looks like.
- Water-resilient communitiesCommunity open-well rejuvenation and drinking water access for 800+ households.
- Plastic-free communitiesCommunity-led waste management in marginalised urban pockets of Bengaluru, led by Makkala Jagriti.
- Climate-resilient tribal communitiesModel farms, agroforestry, water resilience and awareness building with tribal youth.
- Regenerative farming pilotsWith young farmers in drought-prone, migration-affected northern Karnataka.
- North-East civic engagementCivic engagement and rights, and a more welcoming academic environment for North Eastern students.
Help more young people lead climate action in their own communities.
Partner with Restless Development