Take Action. Drive Change. Build Your Future.
Join the 2025 YSEALI Seeds for the Future program and receive funding, mentorship, and support to bring your innovative ideas to life.
Apply Now and Lead the Change
Young leaders across Southeast Asia are taking action on the region’s most pressing issues. Will you be next?
- Up to $180,000 total funding
- 25 projects selected to drive real-world impact
Three Funding Tiers to Match Your Project’s Needs
YSEALI Seeds for the Future offers tailored funding to match your project’s goals and stage:
- Innovation Catalyst Tier: Up to $12,000
- Impact Accelerator Tier: Up to $8,000
- Emerging Leaders Tier: Up to $5,000
Personalized mentorship will help you grow, expand your network, and bring your ideas to fruition.
9 Months of Mentorship, Growth, and Impact
Selected projects will benefit from 9 months of mentorship to help you build essential skills, connect with experts, and make lasting change across Southeast Asia. Mentorship covers both project management and thematic skills in areas like civic engagement, economic empowerment, education, and environmental sustainability.
What is YSEALI Seeds for the Future?
YSEALI Seeds for the Future is a signature initiative by the U.S. Government, aimed at empowering young leaders across Southeast Asia. Since 2015, the program has funded hundreds of innovative projects addressing critical challenges like education, social entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability.
For the 2025 program, we’re offering up to $12,000 in funding for projects under the Innovation Catalyst tier, $8,000 for the Impact Accelerator tier, and $5,000 for the Emerging Leaders tier. Mentorship and support will be provided to ensure your project has the tools to succeed and create long-term impact.
Program Focus Areas:
- Civic Engagement
- Sustainable Development
- Education
- Economic Empowerment
How to Apply
Ready to make a difference? Here’s how you can apply for YSEALI Seeds for the Future:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Teams of at least 3 members, aged 18-35, from ASEAN countries or Timor-Leste can apply. Your project must align with one or more of YSEALI’s core themes.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
- Stage 1: Submit a preliminary application between October 28 – November 17, 2024. Tell us about your project, objectives, and expected impact.
- Stage 2: Shortlisted teams will submit a detailed proposal from November 25 – December 20, 2024.
Step 3: Attend Webinars
Join our informational webinars to learn more about the program and ask questions.
Step 4: Prepare for the Journey
If selected, you’ll participate in a Kickoff Workshop in February 2025, followed by monthly webinars and personalized mentorship to support your project’s growth and impact.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: October 28, 2024
- Informational Webinar 1: November 9, 2024
- Stage 2 Application Period: November 25 – December 20, 2024
- Winner Announcement: January 2025
- Project Implementation: March – November 2025
Mentorship Program
Throughout the program, you will receive mentorship in two key areas:
- Project Management Mentorship: Experienced mentors will help your team set goals, monitor progress, and overcome challenges.
- Thematic Skills Mentorship: Participate in expert-led webinars on civic engagement, social entrepreneurship, education, and environmental sustainability.
Mentorship Timeline:
- February 2025: Pairing with mentors and onboarding
- March – November 2025: Monthly mentorship sessions and thematic webinars
Featured Projects
YSEALI Seeds for the Future supports projects that tackle some of the region’s most pressing issues. Here’s a look at the types of projects we fund:
- Emerging Leaders ($5,000): New ideas addressing critical regional challenges.
- Featured Projects ($8,000): Initiatives with early success, looking to deepen their impact.
- Impact Accelerator ($12,000): Projects ready to scale, with proven success in the field.
Success Stories
Over the years, YSEALI Seeds for the Future has empowered hundreds of youth leaders across Southeast Asia. From reducing food waste in Vietnam to promoting disaster preparedness in Indonesia, our participants are leading transformative change.
- $2.5 million in grants awarded since 2013
- 10+ countries reached
- 250+ communities impacted
Past Projects
- Turning Unsold Bread into Community Support (2022)
- Reducing Food Waste in Vietnam with Cà Mèn (2022)
- Sign Language Storybooks Boost Literacy for Deaf Communities (2022)
- Empowering Nutrition Education for Mothers and Girls in Indonesia (2022)
Apply Today
Are you ready to turn your ideas into action and make a lasting impact on Southeast Asia? The YSEALI Seeds for the Future program provides the resources and mentorship you need to succeed.