YouthBank International

YouthBank International YouthBank International has always been about the transformation of society where young people of the world are placed in the spotlight. OUR VISION? OUR MISSION?

YouthBank International (YBI) is a registered charitable company under UK law. With over 20 years of expertise in non-formal education, fundraising, financial literacy, critical thinking, and problem solving we have developed the model that combines philanthropy, social entrepreneurship and youth development. The YouthBank model is a unique, simple, and adaptable method of involving young people i

n community activities. It shifts the power, money, and attitudes to demonstrate the value of participatory grant-making at a grassroots level based on a simple, flexible and transferable idea – that YouthBanks are funds run by young people to support practical, youth-led projects that address issues that matter to them to improve their communities. The YouthBank model was born in 1999 in UK, as a pilot programme, which tested the youth-led funding model. The success of the YouthBank approach caught the attention of community and private foundations in other countries, mainly in the Balkans and former Soviet Republics. Until today, YouthBank model has been implemented in 36 countries worldwide. Imagine communities and neighbourhoods in every country where young people routinely make decisions of economic and social significance. Consider just for a moment what that would look like? What could change economically, politically and culturally as a result of young people’s involvement? YouthBank International`s mission is to work with worldwide organisations who want to give young people authentic leadership, decision-making and community-building opportunities while growing the network and supporting young people through grant-making. We have developed a framework, training and resources that enable organisations to provide necessary support with confidence and integrity. YouthBank International seeks to build an ecosystem of individuals, organisations and businesses that share our values and our aim of bringing decision making opportunities to young people. If you want to find out more information, you can check out our website, or contact us directly on: [email protected]

Not every idea can cross borders. A methodology can. For more than 20 years, the YouthBank methodology has been implemen...
06/08/2026

Not every idea can cross borders.

A methodology can.

For more than 20 years, the YouthBank methodology has been implemented in communities across 40+ countries, adapting to different cultures, organisations and local priorities while staying true to one core principle: 🎯 Young people should have real responsibility to make real decisions.

Every new YouthBank strengthens a growing international community committed to developing future leaders through practice, not theory.

That's the value of a methodology tested through experience 💜

Real Lives. Real Money. Real Change.

05/08/2026

A toolkit gives you resources.
A methodology gives you confidence.

The YouthBank GO! Package is more than a collection of templates. It's a complete system developed over 20+ years, helping organisations support young people to:
🌱 Research local needs
🌱 Set funding priorities
🌱 Manage grant funds
🌱 Make funding decisions
🌱 Measure impact

Whether you're a university, municipality, NGO or community foundation, you'll join a global network committed to giving young people real responsibility.

Because communities don't need more consultations.
They need more young people leading change.

More info about our GO! Package here: https://youthbankinternational.org/start-youthbank/

04/08/2026

What could young people in Italy, UK or South Africa have in common?

Different countries.
Different cultures.
Different communities.

Yet, at some point, someone trusted them with real responsibility.

That's what connects the global YouthBank network.

For more than 20 years, thousands of young people have stepped into leadership - not because someone told them they were leaders, but because they were given the opportunity to prove it.

Every YouthBank has its own story.
Together, they tell one global story of trust, leadership and community change.

Real Lives. Real Money. Real Change.

A question we're often asked is:"Can the YouthBank model really work in different countries?" For more than 20 years, th...
03/08/2026

A question we're often asked is:
"Can the YouthBank model really work in different countries?"

For more than 20 years, the answer has been YES!

From universities and schools to municipalities, community foundations and youth organisations, the YouthBank methodology has been adapted across more than 40 countries.

How?
Because while communities face different challenges, the principle remains the same ➡️ Young people understand the issues affecting their lives!
When trusted with real responsibility, they make thoughtful decisions, support innovative ideas and strengthen their communities.
The context may change.
The impact doesn't.

Real Lives. Real Money. Real Change.

30/07/2026

The success of YouthBank isn't measured only by the number of projects funded or communities reached.

It's measured by what young people take with them afterwards.

The confidence to lead.

The ability to make difficult decisions.

The experience of managing real responsibility.

The belief that their voice matters.

These are the skills that shape futures, and they've been at the heart of the YouthBank model for more than 20 years.

That's an investment that continues long after the program ends.

What if your next youth program didn't end when the funding ended?The YouthBank GO! Package doesn't just develop young p...
29/07/2026

What if your next youth program didn't end when the funding ended?

The YouthBank GO! Package doesn't just develop young people's skills. It strengthens your organisation's capacity to engage, empower and trust young people for years to come.

By adopting a proven methodology, your organisation gains:
🌱 A structured framework for youth-led grantmaking
🌱 Practical tools and training
🌱 Ongoing support from an international network
🌱 A model that develops leadership, financial literacy and decision-making through real experience.

The projects may have an end date.

The skills, confidence and organisational learning do not.

That's why YouthBank isn't just a program.

It's a long-term investment in young people, and in the organisations that believe in them.

Bring YouthBank to your organisation and start building skills that last a lifetime.

More info https://youthbankinternational.org/youthbank-go-for-organisations/

28/07/2026

The YouthBank training countinues in South Africa, around Bergrivier area! Learning by doing, learning to be trusted, learning to lead 🌏💙 Thank you Initiative for Community Advancement

One of the most powerful things we've heard from YouthBank participants worldwide is that the experience stayed with them long after the program ended.

Not because they remembered every meeting.

But because they remembered what it felt like to be trusted.

Trusted to manage funding.
Trusted to make decisions.
Trusted to create change.

That trust becomes confidence.

And confidence becomes leadership.

That's the real impact of YouthBank.

The projects improve communities.

The experience shapes futures!

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/14jxFpdsD1C/

When we talk about lifelong skills, we often think about leadership, teamwork or communication.But confidence may be the...
27/07/2026

When we talk about lifelong skills, we often think about leadership, teamwork or communication.

But confidence may be the most important skill of all.

Confidence to speak up.
Confidence to make decisions.
Confidence to take responsibility.
Confidence to turn ideas into action.

YouthBank helps build that confidence by giving young people the opportunity to lead, make decisions and see the impact of those decisions in their own communities.

Because confidence isn't something you can give to someone.

It's something they build through experience.

Leadership doesn't begin with a title. It begins with trust.Across the world, new YouthBanks continue to grow as organis...
23/07/2026

Leadership doesn't begin with a title. It begins with trust.

Across the world, new YouthBanks continue to grow as organisations choose to trust young people with real responsibility.

This week, YouthBank Lahore in 📍Pakistan took its first steps, bringing together a passionate group of young people who will spend the coming months developing the knowledge, skills and confidence to make real funding decisions that benefit their communities.

For more than 20 years, the YouthBank methodology has helped organisations create opportunities where young people don't just participate, they lead.

Every orientation.
Every training session.
Every new YouthBank strengthens a global network committed to building the next generation of ethical decision-makers.

Here's to the beginning of another inspiring journey.

💜 Real Lives. Real Money. Real Change.

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Belfast
BT124HQ

Telephone

+44 (0) 2890 245927

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