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1. Legal/policy framework for the functioning and development of youth organisations

2. Public financial support

3. Initiatives to increase the diversity of participants

Legal/policy framework for the functioning and development of youth organisations

The legal framework for support to youth organisations is determined by the Regulations concerning grants to voluntary youth organisations of 29 November 2007, amended on 15 September 2009. The grants are meant to stimulate youth organisations’ activities nationally and / or internationally as arenas for young people’s participation and democratic practice. To qualify for grants organisations must meet a set of criteria related to organisational structure and democratic participation.

Public financial support

The Ministry of Children and Families provides basic support to voluntary youth organisations. This is administered by the Grant Allocation Committee, whose secretariat is at the Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs. The allocation of grants is regulated by the  Regulations concerning grants to voluntary youth organisations.

Youth organisations can also apply for funding through grant schemes that are administered though relevant sector ministries, or on behalf of the relevant ministry by underlying government agencies or civil society organisations. The Ministry of Culture has published a cross-ministerial guide [Veileder: Forenkling av statlige tilskuddsordninger for frivillige organisasjoner] to make it easy for voluntary organisations to apply for and report on state grants.

Initiatives to increase the diversity of participants

The grant scheme Diversity and Inclusion [Mangfold og inkludering] was set up in 2008 as an extension of the European youth campaign All Different – All Equal, and the support scheme Idébanken [the Ideas Bank]. The scheme is aimed at projects that focus on diversity and participation. The Norwegian Youth Council (LNU) administers the support scheme on behalf of the Ministry of Children and Families.