RM 5,000 - RM 15,000
Tangible improvement in a community’s daily relationship with water and water body; measurable impact
The following projects and activities are not eligible for funding:
a. Direct financial assistance, donations or grants to individuals.
b. Projects that primarily fund individual participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, competitions, exchange programmes or academic studies.
c. Political activities, campaigns or initiatives that promote political parties or candidates.
d. Religious activities where the primary purpose is religious instruction or worship.
e. Projects primarily involving the construction, renovation or purchase of buildings, offices or permanent infrastructure that are unrelated to environmental outcomes.
f. Commercial or profit-making ventures that do not demonstrate clear environmental and community benefits.
g. Projects that have already commenced or have received funding from another organisation for the same scope of work.
h. Activities that may cause environmental harm, negatively impact biodiversity, or contravene Malaysian environmental laws and regulations.
i. Projects involving activities that are discriminatory, promote hate speech or violence, or involve illegal activities.
a. Within the selected pillar, applications must address at least one of the challenges listed below:
• Disaster Management: Flood/drought mitigation and riparian zone restoration.
• Pollution Monitoring & Mitigation: Constructed Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)
• Mainstreaming Biodiversity: Native and local flora/fauna species reintroduction.
• WASH Initiatives: Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for rural and Orang Asli communities.
• Citizen Science: Low-cost technology or monitoring kits for community river health tracking.
• Water Conservation: Technical solutions or campaigns to reduce water footprint in targeted facilities.
b. Projects must demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes and deliver meaningful environmental and/or community impact within the approved grant period.
c. Projects should actively involve youth in the planning, implementation and evaluation of activities, demonstrating youth leadership throughout the project lifecycle.
d. Projects should demonstrate community participation and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, such as schools, universities, local communities, NGOs, government agencies or the private sector, where appropriate.
e. Applicants should demonstrate how the project can continue to generate positive environmental or social impact beyond the grant period through sustainable practices, community ownership or strategic partnerships.
f. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate innovation, scalability and potential for replication in other communities across Malaysia.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
The following section sets out the guideline for the submission, selection, and implementation of projects supported under the SPARK Youth Water Grant.
GENERAL ELIGIBILITIES
Subject
Tier 1 - University Students / Youth
Tier 2 - Youth-led Startups
Applicant
Malaysian university student groups of 3–5 members, aged 18–35 at the time of application.
Malaysian-registered start-ups with 3–5 members, aged 18–35 at the time of application.
Focus
• Submissions must be led by youth groups, youth organisations, college/university clubs, local community youth committees or youth-led start-ups.
• Proposed projects must directly address water- and river-related awareness, conservation or rehabilitation in Malaysia.
• Initiatives must be youth-led throughout the design, implementation, monitoring and reporting stages.
TIER-SPECIFIC GUIDELINE
Eligibility
Tier 1 - University Students / Youth
Tier 2 - Youth-led Startups
Applicant
Malaysian university student groups of 3–5 members, aged 18–35 at the time of application.
Malaysian-registered start-ups with 3–5 members, aged 18–35 at the time of application.
Community Youth Groups
Not applicable
A youth group operating under a Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) may apply under Tier 2 without being separately incorporated or registered as a start-up or other legal entity, provided that the youth group is duly affiliated with a registered KRT. The application shall be accompanied by:
(i) an official letter from the relevant KRT/RA top management or its authorised representative confirming that the youth group is affiliated with the KRT/RA and authorising the youth group to submit the application; and
(ii) documentary evidence of the relevant KRT’s registration.
Legal Registration
Not required if applying as a student group
Grant Amount
RM 3,000 - RM 5,000
University / Institution
Not applicable
Operational History
Not applicable
Project Team
Organiser reserves the right to request further information or supporting documents as it may reasonably require to verify eligibility, affiliation or authority of any applicant or participating team. Any application which does not satisfy the applicable eligibility requirements or provide the required documents may be treated as incomplete or ineligible for consideration.
Each participating team shall comprise a minimum of three (3) and maximum of five (5) eligible participants, aged between 18 and 35 years, with one (1) member designated as the Malaysian citizen Project Lead.
Each participating team shall comprise a minimum of three (3) and maximum of five (5) eligible participants, aged between 18 and 35 years, with one (1) member designated as the Malaysian citizen Project Lead.
Supervisor
• A participating team may, at its option, be supported by a University Supervisor, who may provide guidance, advice and supervision in relation to the proposed project and its implementation.
• The University Supervisor shall not be regarded as a participating team member, and shall neither be counted towards the minimum or maximum team size, nor be eligible to receive or otherwise benefit from the grant.
Not applicable
Project Focus
Project must be implemented in Malaysia
Must address one or more SPARK Youth Water Grant themes.
Supporting Documents
Funding Eligibility
Applicants can only submit one application per grant cycle
One application per organisation per grant cycle
Expected Outcome
Able to provide the community with the tools and information they need to advocate for their resources.
GRANT APPLICANT SELECTION MATRIX
Applicants under both tiers will be required to select at least one primary pillar and one relevant challenge category they intend to address, as provided in the grant guidelines. Proposed solutions should be practical and relevant to local communities.
All proposals must align with at least one (1) of the primary pillars:
• Water Quality: Pollution reduction, river cleanup, river health monitoring
• Water Quantity: River basin management, rainwater harvesting
• Water Accessibility: Clean water distribution and localised infrastructure
• Biodiversity of River: Habitat protection, ecosystem health, species reintroduction
PROJECT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
NON-ELIGIBLE INITIATIVES
NON-ELIGIBLE COST
The SPARK Youth Water Grant will only support reasonable, necessary, and project-related expenses. The following costs are not eligible for funding:
a. Purchase of land, buildings or property.
b. Major construction or renovation works.
c. Purchase of vehicles.
d. Fines, penalties, legal fees or litigation costs.
e. Loan repayments, debts or interest charges.
f. Bank charges, currency exchange losses or financial transaction fees.
g. Salaries or bonuses for permanent employees unrelated to project implementation.
h. Entertainment, gifts, alcoholic beverages or hospitality expenses not directly related to project delivery.
i. Costs incurred before the grant agreement has been signed.
j. General organisational overheads that are not directly attributable to the approved project.
k. Any expenditure that is not supported by appropriate documentation or receipts.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Your projects are strongly encouraged to engage local community members or stakeholders to promote sustainable and long-term impact.
LEGAL TERMS & DISCLAIMERS
The SPARK Youth Water Grant is a collaborative initiative by SPARK Foundation and Global Environment Centre (GEC) to support youth-led actions addressing water and river health challenges in Malaysia. Participation in the grant application process is subject to the terms and conditions outlined in these Guidelines. Submission of an application does not constitute a commitment or guarantee that funding will be awarded.
1. No Guarantee of Grant Award
Submission of an application does not guarantee approval or receipt of funding. SPARK Foundation and GEC reserve the right to approve or reject any application at their sole discretion based on the assessment criteria, available funding, strategic priorities and overall suitability of the proposed project. Applicants acknowledge that they are responsible for preparing and submitting complete, accurate and relevant information as part of their application.
2. Right to Amend, Suspend or Cancel
SPARK Foundation and GEC reserve the right to amend, suspend, postpone or cancel the SPARK Youth Water Grant programme, application timeline, funding allocation or any related requirements at any time, where necessary. Any changes will be communicated through the appropriate channels where applicable
3. Discretion in Evaluation
All applications will be evaluated through a fair and independent assessment process. However, SPARK Foundation and GEC retain full discretion in determining the suitability, priority, and final selection of projects for funding. The assessment process and final decision shall not be subject to appeal or challenge.
4. Risk and Compliance
Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring that all project activities comply with applicable Malaysian laws, regulations, permits and ethical requirements. Applicants must undertake appropriate risk assessments and implement necessary measures to ensure the safety of participants, communities and the environment throughout project implementation. SPARK Foundation and GEC shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, injury, liability or claim arising from the implementation of funded projects.
5. Accuracy of Information
Applicants must ensure that all information submitted in the application form, proposal, budget and supporting documents is accurate, complete and truthful.
Providing false, misleading or incomplete information may result in:
• disqualification from the grant process;
• withdrawal of a grant award;
• suspension or recovery of funds; or
• termination of the Grant Agreement.
Applicants must promptly inform SPARK Foundation and/or GEC of any significant changes affecting their eligibility, project implementation, or ability to deliver the approved activities.
6. Confidentiality and Intellectual Property
SPARK Foundation and GEC will handle applicant information responsibly and use submitted materials solely for the purposes of assessing, administering and monitoring the SPARK Youth Water Grant. Applicants retain ownership of their original project ideas, materials and intellectual property developed prior to or independently of the grant.
By accepting the grant, successful applicants agree that SPARK Foundation and GEC may use non-confidential project information, including project descriptions, photographs, videos, impact stories and outcomes, for reporting, learning, communications and promotional purposes related to the W.A.T.E.R Project and youth water stewardship initiatives.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that any third-party materials, content or intellectual property used in their projects have obtained the necessary permissions and do not infringe upon the rights of others.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that any third-party materials, content or intellectual property used in their projects have obtained the necessary permissions and do not infringe upon the rights of others.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all intellectual property rights in any materials, reports, works or deliverables specifically created using the Grant shall belong to SPARK Foundation and GEC.
The applicants or receiver of the Grant shall not use SPARK Foundation and GEC or the SPARK Youth Water Grant logo, trademarks or other intellectual property for publicity or promotional purposes without the prior written consent of SPARK Foundation and GEC .
SPARK Foundation and GEC may, subject to applicable law, disclose or publicise the fact that the Grant has been awarded to the recipient and the general purpose of the Grant.
7. Data Protection
The applicants acknowledges and agrees that SPARK Foundation and GEC may collect, use, process and retain personal data provided in connection with this Programme in accordance with applicable data protection laws and SPARK Foundation and GEC’s applicable privacy policies.
8. Conflict of Interest
The applicant shall promptly disclose to SPARK Foundation and GEC any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest relating to the Grant.
The applicant shall take such steps as may reasonably be required by the SPARK Foundation and GEC to manage or resolve any such conflict of interest.
9. Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption
The applicant shall comply with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and regulations and shall not, directly or indirectly, offer, give, solicit or accept any bribe, improper payment, gift or other undue advantage in connection with the Grant. The recipient shall not use any part of the Grant for any purpose that would constitute or facilitate bribery or corruption. Any breach of this clause shall entitle SPARK Foundation and GEC to suspend or terminate the Grant and/or require the recipient to return all or any part of the Grant
Community Youth Groups
Not applicable
A youth group operating under a Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) may apply under Tier 2 without being separately incorporated or registered as a start-up or other legal entity, provided that the youth group is duly affiliated with a registered KRT. The application shall be accompanied by:
(i) an official letter from the relevant KRT/RA top management or its authorised representative confirming that the youth group is affiliated with the KRT/RA and authorising the youth group to submit the application; and
(ii) documentary evidence of the relevant KRT’s registration.
Must be legally registered under one of the following:
• Registrar of Societies (ROS)
• Enterprises registered under the
Registration of Businesses Act 1956 (ROBA)
• Companies registered under the
Companies Act 2016 (SSM)
• Cooperative Act 1993
Focus practical tools innovation, prototype, on group implementation and long-term community-based action
• Certificate of Registration
(SSM/ROS/Co-op)
• Organisation profile
• Bank account details
• Project proposal and budget
RM 5,000 - RM 15,000
Supervisor
• A participating team may, at its option, be supported by a University Supervisor, who may provide guidance, advice and supervision in relation to the proposed project and its implementation.
• The University Supervisor shall not be regarded as a participating team member, and shall neither be counted towards the minimum or maximum team size, nor be eligible to receive or otherwise benefit from the grant.
Project must be implemented in Malaysia
Focus
Focus on related problems/ gaps on water/river, propose mitigation ideas, innovation, and skill sharing
• NRIC/Passport
• Student ID or University admission/
enrolment letter
• Team member list
• Project proposal and budget
Registered and operational for at least 6 months prior to application
Must address one or more SPARK Youth Water Grant themes.
Active undergraduate or postgraduate students registered at Malaysian public (IPTA) or private (IPTS) university.
Project Location
a. Within the selected pillar, applications must address at least one of the challenges listed below:
• Disaster Management: Flood/drought mitigation and riparian zone restoration.
• Pollution Monitoring & Mitigation: Constructed Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)
• Mainstreaming Biodiversity: Native and local flora/fauna species reintroduction.
• WASH Initiatives: Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for rural and Orang Asli communities.
• Citizen Science: Low-cost technology or monitoring kits for community river health tracking.
• Water Conservation: Technical solutions or campaigns to reduce water footprint in targeted facilities.
b. Projects must demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes and deliver meaningful environmental and/or community impact within the approved grant period.
c. Projects should actively involve youth in the planning, implementation and evaluation of activities, demonstrating youth leadership throughout the project lifecycle.
d. Projects should demonstrate community participation and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, such as schools, universities, local communities, NGOs, government agencies or the private sector, where appropriate.
e. Applicants should demonstrate how the project can continue to generate positive environmental or social impact beyond the grant period through sustainable practices, community ownership or strategic partnerships.
f. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate innovation, scalability and potential for replication in other communities across Malaysia.
a. Within the selected pillar, applications must address at least one of the challenges listed below:
• Disaster Management: Flood/drought mitigation and riparian zone restoration.
• Pollution Monitoring & Mitigation: Constructed Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)
• Mainstreaming Biodiversity: Native and local flora/fauna species reintroduction.
• WASH Initiatives: Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for rural and Orang Asli communities.
• Citizen Science: Low-cost technology or monitoring kits for community river health tracking.
• Water Conservation: Technical solutions or campaigns to reduce water footprint in targeted facilities.
b. Projects must demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes and deliver meaningful environmental and/or community impact within the approved grant period.
c. Projects should actively involve youth in the planning, implementation and evaluation of activities, demonstrating youth leadership throughout the project lifecycle.
d. Projects should demonstrate community participation and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, such as schools, universities, local communities, NGOs, government agencies or the private sector, where appropriate.
e. Applicants should demonstrate how the project can continue to generate positive environmental or social impact beyond the grant period through sustainable practices, community ownership or strategic partnerships.
f. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate innovation, scalability and potential for replication in other communities across Malaysia.
The following projects and activities are not eligible for funding:
a. Direct financial assistance, donations or grants to individuals.
b. Projects that primarily fund individual participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, competitions, exchange programmes or academic studies.
c. Political activities, campaigns or initiatives that promote political parties or candidates.
d. Religious activities where the primary purpose is religious instruction or worship.
e. Projects primarily involving the construction, renovation or purchase of buildings, offices or permanent infrastructure that are unrelated to environmental outcomes.
f. Commercial or profit-making ventures that do not demonstrate clear environmental and community benefits.
g. Projects that have already commenced or have received funding from another organisation for the same scope of work.
h. Activities that may cause environmental harm, negatively impact biodiversity, or contravene Malaysian environmental laws and regulations.
i. Projects involving activities that are discriminatory, promote hate speech or violence, or involve illegal activities.