EDC grant · Up to €1,500
JCI Regional Growth & Development Academy Program
The JCI Regional Growth & Development Academy (RGDA) is a regional version of the Growth & Development Academy: a structured leadership and capacity-building initiative for regional expansion, membership growth and sustainable organisational development.
Its focus is to generate growth strategies, activities and projects that build sustainable local and national organisations in a specific context, region or language. An RGDA can last two to three days. It is hosted by one National Organisation in partnership with at least two others, so participants come from at least three National Organisations.
What the EDC offers
Three types of support
Financial support
A grant of up to €1,500 for training facilities (for example renting a venue) and trainer costs (travel and accommodation). Other costs are covered by the organisers. Not available for online academies.
Trainer support
Help finding trainers with the right expertise for the academy content. Also available for online academies.
Design support
Help designing the general structure: types of training, activities and flows. The specific content stays with the trainers. Also available for online academies.
An organisation can apply for more than one type of support in the same application. Financial support is first come, first served because funds are limited. If no funds are left, this is announced on the website.
Minimum requirements
- At least 30 participants from at least 3 different National Organisations across the whole academy (a requirement for financial support). Smaller groups are recommended for sessions.
- A draft budget of the academy (a requirement for financial support).
- At least 2 full days of program (this can be one full day and two half days).
- An outline of the purpose and aims of the academy.
- An outline of the leadership and/or skills development sessions, meeting the EDC's requirements.
- Approximate dates of the academy.
How to apply
- Applications for 2026 are open from 10 February to 31 October 2026, at any time within that period. The academy must take place by the end of 2026.
- Submit the application form. An official response can be expected within 4 weeks.
- For financial support, the grant is given after evaluation if funds are available. An advance payment of up to 50% of the requested grant is possible.
Trainer and design support are available throughout the application period.
Reporting
- Report no later than 2 months after the RGDA took place, and no later than 30 November 2026. The grant can only be reimbursed in 2026.
- The reporting includes forms from the partner National Organisations, together with the general form from the host.
- Include photos of the academy, so take some while it runs.
Financial reporting
If you received financial support, the report must include a financial report with proof of payments attached.
- Without the financial documents you will not receive financial support.
- If you received an advance payment, you will be asked to pay it back.
- If fewer than 30 participants attended, or fewer than 3 National Organisations were represented, you receive only 50% of the requested grant.
Questions? Write to the EDC at edc (at) jci.cc.