The Youth Partnership has developed a wide range of resources to support young people, youth organisations and the broader youth sector in preparing and implementing youth projects, as well as managing organisations effectively.

These include the T-Kits on project management, funding and financial management and organisational management. The Partnership also promotes the concept of “Thinking Green”, with the Sustainability Checklist to help ensure sustainability principles are integrated throughout youth work activities.

A comprehensive revision of the T-Kits, which were first released in the early 2000s, was initiated in 2024–2025. This revision responds to the significant changes that have taken place in youth work over the past two decades and the need to adapt to new and emerging challenges. The updated materials take into account the increasing opportunities for young people to lead and participate in projects, the diversification of project management practices, and the evolution of funding mechanisms and institutional approaches.

The revision process also addresses the complex realities currently shaping the youth sector. These include the shrinking of civic spaces and the erosion of democratic participation, the reduction of funding for youth work, and the growing impact of digital transformation. Other factors, such as conflicts and crises, the mental health and well-being of young people, funding volatility and broader socio-political challenges, are also shaping the context in which youth organisations operate. In response, the Youth Partnership has also produced a Checklist to support youth organisations navigating shrinking civic space, drawing on findings from its research on democracy and youth civic engagement.
 

 Objectives

The Youth Partnership will organise two capacity-building seminars to strengthen youth organisations in project management, funding, financial and organisational management. These activities aim to enhance organisational sustainability and resilience in the face of current and emerging challenges, particularly the shrinking of civic space.

Key objectives include:
  • Supporting youth organisations in strengthening and sustaining their missions to empower young people.
  • Helping youth organisations navigate new and changing realities in the youth sector.
  • Promoting resilience and innovation in youth organisations by addressing challenges related to crises, digitalisation, and shrinking civic spaces.
  • Supporting organisations in managing projects and resources in line with young people’s needs.
  • Promoting inclusive, rights-based, and participatory approaches in youth work.
  • Promoting and disseminating Youth Partnership tools, materials, and publications to increase their visibility and impact.

Specific objectives will be defined for each seminar during its preparatory phase.
 

 Expected outcomes

Supporting youth organisation in their daily work
  • A seminar (≈ 50–60 participants) will be organised to launch and disseminate the new materials developed by the Youth Partnership, supporting youth organisations in their daily operations and helping them address challenges related to project management, funding, and organisational management. In co-operation with the European Youth Foundation (tbc).
  • Finalisation, publication, and promotion of the revised T-Kits on project management, funding and financial management, and organisational management.
  • Development of online learning modules, where relevant (e.g., on project management and funding/financial management). In co-operation with the European Youth Foundation (tbc).
Supporting youth organisations in navigating shrinking civic space
  • A seminar (≈ 50–60 participants) focused on navigating shrinking civic space, building on the Youth Partnership’s research on democracy and youth civic space, and on the accompanying checklist. This activity aligns with ongoing initiatives by partner institutions, notably the Council of Europe’s New Democratic Pact for Europe and the European Commission’s Democracy Shield.
  • Promotion and dissemination of the checklist for youth organisations.
     

 Indicative timeline

2026

Finalisation of the revised T-Kits on funding and financial management, and on organisational management.

Development of online learning modules (e.g. on project management and funding/financial management), where relevant.

2027

Seminar for youth organisations on project management, funding, financial management, and organisational management.

2028

Seminar for youth organisations on navigating shrinking civic space.