Young people with an idea to help their community can now seek up to S$1,000 per project through a new National Youth Council (NYC) Microgrant.
Launched at Impact, IRL on 31 October 2026, the scheme is designed to help youths get their first community project or a small initiative off the ground.
The money funds approved project costs. It is not an individual cash payout.
No Pitch Required for Microgrant Applications
NYC says the Microgrant uses a simplified application process and does not require applicants to pitch their ideas. It can cover up to 100% of supported costs, capped at S$1,000.
Officers were on hand at the launch to guide applicants through the process. Youths whose projects qualified, and who cleared up any outstanding questions, could get the go-ahead in principle the same day, NYC said.
8world reported that about 150 applications were expected to be assessed and approved at the event.
For applications after 31 October, NYC directs youths to the OurSG Grants portal through its Youth Action webpage.
Part of a Wider S$20 Million Commitment
The Microgrant sits within the SG Youth Plan’s wider commitment to provide up to S$20 million for up to 3,000 youth-led projects over five years.
That funding covers different grant tiers for projects at different stages.
Other support includes the Young ChangeMakers Grant, which NYC says provides up to S$3,000 or S$5,000, depending on the grant support available.
The SG Youth Plan also outlines funding of up to S$70,000 under the Youth Action Grant for projects seeking to expand and continue serving the community over time.
Helping Youths Start Small
Impact, IRL was jointly organised by NYC and the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre. Its programme included project consultations, networking and sessions on environmental sustainability, health and well-being, social support and inclusion, and social connections among youths.
Speaking at the event, Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Low Yen Ling encouraged young people to begin by identifying a need and taking a first step towards addressing it, 8world reported.
The outlet also highlighted a red-packet recycling initiative started by a 19-year-old. It had worked with 30 schools and collected more than 420,000 red packets, illustrating how a youth-led idea can grow beyond its starting point.
