The IB Global Youth Action Fund (GYAF) is an annual worldwide grant competition launched by the International Baccalaureate in 2023. It awards up to $3,000 USD per project to secondary school students ages 12–19 who are leading initiatives aligned with one or more of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Enrollment at an IB World School is not required.
Students apply individually or in groups via Submittable with a completed application form, an 8-slide pitch deck, a 3-minute recorded video pitch, and one school staff recommendation form. The application window is short — typically two to five weeks, opening in January or February depending on the year.
Selected awardees receive grant funding, mentorship from leaders in social entrepreneurship, and connection to a global network of youth changemakers. The full program runs for approximately six months and includes workshops, mentorship, and peer community building.
Past funded projects have addressed climate change, gender equity, digital inclusion, and more — across every region of the world. Since the fund launched in 2023, it has supported over 400 projects led by more than 760 young people globally.