FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The SPARK Youth Water Grant is a national youth empowerment initiative under the W.A.T.E.R. Project, organised by SPARK Foundation and implemented by the Global Environment Centre (GEC). The programme aims to empower Malaysian youth to develop and implement innovative, practical solutions to address river and watershed challenges across Malaysia.
The programme is open to Malaysian university student groups and Malaysian-registered start-ups with members aged 18 to 35 at the time of application. Applications must be submitted by youth-led groups consisting of 3 to 5 members.
Eligible applicants include university student groups, youth organisations, local community youth committees, youth collectives, registered youth NGOs and youth-led start-ups, subject to the relevant tier-specific requirements.
There are two application tiers:
• Tier 1 – Youth: Open to university student groups and other eligible Malaysian youth groups proposing water- and environment-focused initiatives.
• Tier 2 – Start-ups: Open to youth-led start-ups, registered youth NGOs, and youth collectives developing practical innovations, prototypes or community-based solutions related to water and environmental sustainability.
Applicants should select the tier that best matches their group and proposed project.
Proposed projects must directly address water or river related challenges in Malaysia and align with at least one primary pillar and one challenge category under the grant programme.
The four primary pillars are:
• Water Quality
• Water Quantity
• Water Accessibility
• River Biodiversity
The six challenge categories are:
• Disaster Management
• Pollution Monitoring & Mitigation
• Mainstreaming Biodiversity
• WASH Initiatives
• Citizen Science
• Water Conservation
Projects are encouraged to demonstrate practical action, measurable outcomes, youth leadership, and meaningful engagement with local communities and relevant stakeholders.
Yes. Applicants may incorporate multiple water-related issues where relevant. However, each proposal must clearly identify at least one primary pillar and one challenge category, and demonstrate how the proposed activities directly address the selected areas.
Grant Launch
23 September 2026
Official launch of the SPARK Youth Water Grant in conjunction with World Rivers Day. The application portal opens.
Application Deadline
30 November 2026
The application portal closes at the end of the application period.
Screening & Shortlisting
1–31 December 2026
The Grant Programme Secretariat will review all submissions and shortlist the Top 15 proposals for the pitching stage.
Pitching Month
January 2027
The shortlisted teams will present their project proposals to the Grant Advisory Committee.
Finalisation of Grant Recipients
By 14 February 2027
The Grant Advisory Committee will review and finalise the selected grant recipients.
Grant Agreements & Disbursement Preparation
By 28 February 2027
Grant agreements and required disbursement documentation will be prepared and finalised for execution.
Grant Acceptance
By 15 March 2027
Grant agreements will be signed by the selected grant recipients.
Award Announcement & Tranche 1
22 March 2027
Grant recipients will be officially announced in conjunction with World Water Day. A mock cheque presentation will be held, and 50% of the grant (Tranche 1) will be disbursed.
Project Implementation Begins
1 April 2027
Selected teams begin implementing their approved projects on the ground.
Mid-Term Progress Report
By 15 July 2027
Grant recipients submit their Mid-Term Progress Report covering activities carried out from 1 April to 30 June 2027.
Mid-Term Review & Tranche 2
By 30 July 2027
The Grant Programme Secretariat reviews and approves the progress report. Upon approval, 30% of the grant (Tranche 2) will be disbursed.
Project Completion
30 September 2027
All approved project activities are expected to be completed.
Final Report Submission
By 15 October 2027
Grant recipients submit the Final Completion Report together with the financial summary and supporting receipts.
Grant Advisory Committee Review
By 25 October 2027
The Grant Advisory Committee will review and endorse the Final Report and approve the release of the final tranche.
Project Ends
By 1 November 2027
The project will be formally closed, and the remaining 20% of the grant (Tranche 3) will be disbursed following approval of the final report.
Applicants may request grants of RM3,000–RM5,000 for Tier 1 and RM5,000–RM15,000 for Tier 2 per proposal.
A total allocation of RM120,000 is available to support up to 10 youth-led initiatives.
Applicants must provide a detailed and justified budget, including the estimated cost, quantity and purpose of each proposed expenditure.
Grant funding must be used solely for expenses directly related to the approved project.
Permissible expenses may include:
• Prototyping and project materials
• Field deployment equipment
• Site access, local transport and logistics
• Field activities
• Community workshops and engagement materials
• Testing or laboratory fees
• Other reasonable and necessary project-related expenses
All proposed expenses must demonstrate a clear connection to the approved project activities and represent reasonable value for money.
Grant funding must be used solely for expenses directly related to the approved project.
Permissible expenses may include:
• Prototyping and project materials
• Field deployment equipment
• Site access, local transport and logistics
• Field activities
• Community workshops and engagement materials
• Testing or laboratory fees
• Other reasonable and necessary project-related expenses
All proposed expenses must demonstrate a clear connection to the approved project activities and represent reasonable value for money.
All funded project activities must be implemented and completed within a maximum period of six months.
The project implementation period is 1 April 2027 to 30 September 2027. Applicants must ensure that their proposed work plan, activities, outputs and budget can be realistically delivered within this period.
Applications are open to eligible applicants who meet the requirements outlined in the SPARK Youth Water Grant Guidelines. Applicants are encouraged to read the Guidelines carefully and prepare all required documents before submitting their application.
What is the application process?
Step 1: Review the Guidelines
Review the SPARK Youth Water Grant Guidelines to ensure that you and your proposed project meet all eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
Prepare the following documents:
• Completed SPARK Youth Water Grant Application Form
• Project Proposal
• Project Budget
• Project Timeline
Supporting documents, where applicable:
• NRIC or Passport (Tier 1)
• Student ID or University Admission/Enrolment Letter, if applicable
• Certificate of Registration (Tier 2)
• Organisation Profile (Tier 2)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Submit the completed application form and all required supporting documents through the designated online submission platform before the application deadline.
Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.
Step 4: Eligibility Screening
All applications will undergo an initial screening to verify eligibility and completeness. Applicants may be contacted if additional information or clarification is required.
Step 5: Technical Evaluation
Eligible applications will be evaluated by an assessment panel comprising representatives from SPARK Foundation, Global Environment Centre (GEC) and relevant subject matter experts.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to present or pitch their proposed projects as part of the final selection process.
Step 6: Grant Award
Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Award and Grant Agreement outlining the approved funding amount, project milestones, reporting requirements and grant conditions.
Projects may only commence after the Grant Agreement has been signed by all relevant parties.
Each applicant may submit only one (1) application per grant cycle.
Applications must be complete and accompanied by all required supporting documents. Incomplete applications or applications received after the application deadline may not be considered.
SPARK Foundation and GEC reserve the right to request additional information or clarification from applicants during the assessment process.
The grant will officially launch on 23 September 2026, in conjunction with World Rivers Day.
The application portal will close on 30 November 2026 at 11:59 PM (Malaysia time). Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid any technical or submission issues.
Applications for the SPARK Youth Water Grant will be open from 23 September 2026 to 30 November 2026.
Applications will be assessed based on the readiness, completeness, feasibility and potential impact of the proposed youth-led water initiatives.
As applications will be reviewed in batches, proposals submitted earlier may be assessed ahead of later submissions, subject to meeting the grant requirements and completion of the necessary review and due diligence processes.
Assessment and Selection Process
November–December 2026: Initial Screening
All applications will first be screened by the Grant Programme Secretariat to assess eligibility, completeness and alignment with the grant requirements.
January 2027: Shortlisting and Pitching
The Top 15 proposals will be shortlisted and invited to pitch their projects to the Grant Advisory Committee.
Final Selection
Following the pitching session, the Grant Advisory Committee will review the shortlisted proposals and recommend the final 10 grant recipients.
Applicants will be notified via email once a decision has been made on their application. Applications that are incomplete or require additional information may experience longer processing timelines.
Applicants are encouraged to regularly check their registered email address, including spam and junk folders, to ensure they do not miss important updates or correspondence regarding their application.
While the programme strongly encourages applicants to engage local communities and relevant stakeholders, the nature and extent of engagement may vary depending on the proposed project.
Projects should demonstrate how communities or relevant stakeholders can participate in, benefit from or contribute to the project. Meaningful community engagement is particularly encouraged where it can support sustainable, long-term impact.
Successful grant recipients are required to provide project updates and supporting documentation throughout the implementation period.
A Mid-Term Progress Report must be submitted by 15 July 2027, covering activities implemented from 1 April to 30 June 2027.
A Final Completion Report, including a financial report, relevant receipts, visual documentation, project outcomes and impact information, must be submitted by 15 October 2027.
Failure to meet the required output verification requirements or submit a satisfactory Mid-Term Progress Report may result in the withholding of subsequent grant payments.
Grant Disbursement
The grant will be released in three tranches:
• Tranche 1 – 50%: Disbursed upon signing of the Grant Agreement and project initiation, targeted for 22 March 2027.
• Tranche 2 – 30%: Released upon satisfactory completion and approval of the mid-term progress review, targeted by 30 July 2027.
• Tranche 3 – 20%: Released upon acceptance of the Final Completion Report, output verification and financial report, targeted by 1 November 2027.
Recipients must fulfil the relevant reporting and verification requirements before subsequent tranches are released.
Project Implementation Period
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Approved projects must be implemented within the approved project period stated in the Grant Agreement, and may run for a minimum of three (3) months and a maximum of six (6) months.
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Any request to adjust the approved implementation timeframe must be submitted in writing by the grantee and is subject to prior approval by the Grant Committee.
Successful applicants will receive grant funding through a structured disbursement process, subject to completion of the required documentation and fulfilment of the grant conditions. Grant funds will be disbursed in accordance with the approved project budget and milestones set out in the Grant Agreement.
The following conditions apply:
a. Grant funds may only be used for approved project activities and eligible expenses as stated in the approved proposal and budget.
b. Any changes to the approved project scope, budget allocation, implementation timeline or approach must receive prior written approval from SPARK Foundation and/or GEC.
c. Applicants must provide accurate banking details and all required documentation before grant funds can be released.
d. SPARK Foundation and GEC reserve the right to withhold, reduce, suspend or recover grant funding where:
• the project is not implemented in accordance with the approved plan;
• grant funds are misused or used for ineligible expenses;
• false, inaccurate or misleading information is provided;
• required reports, supporting documents or verification evidence are not submitted;
• there is non-compliance with the Grant Agreement or grant conditions; or
• disbursement is affected by system errors, technical issues or other circumstances beyond the control of SPARK Foundation and/or GEC.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via email following completion of the assessment and approval process.
Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Award outlining the approved grant amount, project requirements, reporting obligations, implementation timeline and applicable grant conditions. Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified via email. Due to the volume of applications received, SPARK Foundation and GEC may not be able to provide individual feedback on unsuccessful applications.
Applicants should ensure that the contact details provided in the application form are accurate and regularly monitor their registered email inbox, including spam and junk folders, for updates or correspondence relating to their application.
The decision of SPARK Foundation and GEC regarding the selection and award of grants shall be final.
Grantees retain ownership of intellectual property created or developed during the grant period.
However, the Grant Programme Secretariat and the W.A.T.E.R. Project may use, promote, showcase, share and communicate project outputs, outcomes, photographs, videos, impact statistics and other non-confidential project information for educational, awareness-raising, reporting and knowledge-sharing purposes.
This may include adapting or replicating project approaches at other sites, with appropriate acknowledgement of the grantees where practicable.
Project teams are responsible for obtaining the necessary consent and permissions from individuals appearing in photographs, videos or other submitted media materials, and for ensuring that such materials may be used for the purposes outlined above.
CONTACT US
The Grant Secretariat is available to clarify all enquiries.
Email us at: sparkyouthwatergrant@gmail.com
