There are birthdays that we celebrate with cake, photos and memories. There are also those that remind us why we started.
In 2026, WCIF turns 25 years old. Instead of celebrating only with a look back on the path traveled, we choose to look ahead – to the people who today have the courage to change the environment around them.
Therefore, on the occasion of our holiday, we are launching the competition “Be the best version of yourself” and we will support five youth ideas with 2001 euros each.
The amount is not accidental. 2001 was the year in which the WCIF was established. 25 years ago, we believed that sustainable change starts with active people and strong communities. Today, we continue to believe in the same.
We believe in young people who do not wait for someone else to solve the problems around them. In those who organize volunteer actions, create spaces for meetings, talk about important topics, make their neighborhood greener, their community more connected and the future more possible.
“This is what we have always done – we have stood behind meaningful ideas, we have supported people to develop their potential and through it to contribute to the community they are part of. We believe that strong communities start with active people,” says Iliana Nikolova, Executive Director of WCIF.
We are looking for initiatives with a cause and real effect – ideas that make life around us better. These can be volunteer actions, green initiatives, educational events, sports and cultural projects, equality campaigns, social inclusion or active civic participation.
The application is open to both individual participants and groups of friends and like-minded people, united by one idea – that change starts with people.
The projects that will receive funding will be announced on July 11, 2026 – exactly on the birthday of WCIF.
The application deadline is June 30, 2026.
If you are between 18 and 25 years old and believe that you can change the environment around you, apply here.