JCI Europe
Members of JCI Sibiu holding up their blue JCI Sibiu flag in a café

EDC grant · Up to €800 per Local Organisation

2026 JCI EDC New Local Organizations Grant Program

Empowering leaders. Launching communities. Creating sustainable impact.

The program supports the establishment of new JCI Local Organisations across Europe with funding and mentoring.

The 2026 call is closed: the application deadline was 15 April 2026. The implementation phase is running until November 2026.

Why this program matters

Across Europe there are communities ready for leadership development, civic engagement and entrepreneurial growth, but without a structured JCI presence. The program focuses on:

  • cities with little or no current JCI representation
  • National Organisations whose membership has declined over the past two years
  • emerging leaders ready to build sustainable local impact

The aim is not only to fund launches but to build strong, resilient Local Organisations that last.

Who it was for

  • National Organisations seeking expansion
  • Emerging leadership teams ready to launch a Local Organisation
  • Communities committed to sustainable civic engagement

Our strategic pillars

  • Sustainable foundations: each supported Local Organisation needs a committed founding team, clear objectives, defined action plans and active community engagement.
  • Accountability and transparency: funding is tied to clear implementation plans, verified expenses and mid-point reporting.
  • Long-term growth: durable Local Organisations that contribute to the European JCI network for years to come.

What the EDC offers

How the EDC supports new Local Organisations

Financial support

Up to €800 per Local Organisation, on a reimbursement basis. It covers venue rental, food and beverages and trainer fees, and is paid on submission of receipts after approved activities.

Mentorship and strategic guidance

Dedicated mentoring support, capacity-building resources, operational templates, best-practice frameworks and launch planning guidance.

2026 timeline

Program phases

  1. March 2026

    Call for applications

    Outreach to National Organisations, information sessions and application launch.

  2. March – May 2026

    Application evaluation

    Applications reviewed for eligibility, strategic clarity, strength of the support structure and sustainability planning.

  3. March – September 2026

    Mentoring and capacity building

    Resource sharing, ongoing mentoring and implementation of the framework.

  4. May – November 2026

    Implementation

    Launch activities are carried out, with continuous EDC support.

  5. May – November 2026

    Financial disbursement

    Reimbursement after each approved activity, capped at €800 per Local Organisation.

  6. May – November 2026

    Monitoring and reporting

    Mid-point progress updates, follow-up surveys and impact assessment.

Requirements (2026 call)

  • The application is submitted by the National President.
  • Cities, Project Manager and project team are already identified.
  • A budget is prepared for the three events to be organised according to the toolkit.

Application deadline: 15 April 2026 (closed).

Toolkit and forms

These documents remain available for reference.

Toolkit presentationToolkit summaryApplication form (2026 call)

Questions? Write to the EDC at edc (at) jci.cc.