Empowering Southeast Asia’s Future Leaders
Up to $180,000 total fund
25 Projects Selected for Funding to Drive Real-World Impact.
Three funding tiers
Receive funding matched to your project’s goals and maturity level, with personalized mentorship to help you reach the next milestone.
9 Months of Mentorship, Growth, and Impact
Gain hands-on experience, expand your network, and build essential skills to lead impactful projects across Southeast Asia.
What is YSEALI Seeds for the Future?
YSEALI Seeds for the Future is a signature initiative by the U.S. Government to empower and connect young leaders across Southeast Asia. Since 2015, the program has supported hundreds of innovative projects addressing critical issues like civic engagement, economic empowerment, social entrepreneurship, education, and environmental sustainability.
The 2025 YSEALI Seeds for the Future program provides up to $12,000 for projects under the Impact Accelerator tier, $8,000 for projects under the Featured Project Tier, and $5,000 for the Emerging Leader tier. Wining projects will receive mentorships throughout the program, equipping them with the tools they need to create lasting impact.
Program Timeline
Applications Open
October–December 2024- Winner NotificationJanuary, 2025
Kickoff Workshop & Virtual Onboarding
12 April 2025Winning Project Implementation Phase
May–December 2025Virtual Learning & Support
May–December 2025Winning Project
Impact ShowcaseJanuary 2026
Mentorship Program
The YSEALI Seeds for the Future Mentorship Program is designed to provide ongoing guidance and support throughout your project’s journey. Participants will have access to two types of mentorship
1 : Project Management Mentorship
Experienced mentors will work closely with your team to set goals, monitor progress, and troubleshoot challenges. Expect monthly check-ins to ensure your project stays on track.
2 : Thematic Skills Mentorship
Focus on enhancing your team’s skills through expert-led webinars on civic engagement, social entrepreneurship, education, and environmental sustainability. Peer-to-peer exchanges will help you collaborate and learn from other participants.
3 : Mentorship Timeline
- February 2025: Mentorship pairing and onboarding
- March – November 2025: Monthly mentorship sessions and thematic webinars
Project Tiers
YSEALI Seeds for the Future supports a range of transformative projects across Southeast Asia. From scaling innovative solutions to launching new ideas, our participants are leading the charge for change. Here’s a look at the kinds of projects being funded:
Emerging Leaders
New solutions tackling critical regional issues.
Featured Projects
Initiatives showing early success, seeking to deepen their impact.
Impact Accelerator
Projects ready to scale, with proven success in the field.
Success Stories
YSEALI Seeds for the Future has empowered over 100 youth leaders to make a real difference in their communities. From improving access to education to launching sustainable social enterprises, the program’s impact is felt across Southeast Asia. Here’s what some of our past participants have to say:
$2.5 million
in grants awarded since 2013
10+
countries reached
250+
communities impacted
YSEALI Seeds has significantly boosted EcoCupid’s environmental media efforts. We’ve featured 15 eco projects in our documentaries, built a comprehensive website, and engaged volunteers across Southeast Asia to amplify our impact.
EcoCupid
YSEALI Seeds has empowered our Food Heroes program to rescue 3,000 kg of surplus food, benefiting 2,000 people in Medan. We’ve also trained 23 volunteers to sustain this vital work every day.
Food Heroes Aksata Pangan
With YSEALI Seeds’ support, Make It Safe effectively combats cybercrime and transgender exploitation using innovative methods like design thinking and hackathons. This funding has made a significant difference in our community.
MakeITSafe
Thanks to YSEALI Seeds, Recycle Dalat has recycled tons of plastic, planted over 7,000 trees, and engaged 13,000 viewers across Southeast Asia, fostering a greener and more sustainable community.
Recycle Dalat
Thanks to YSEALI Seeds, we’ve increased our participation rate by 700% and impacted over 3,500 youths through the project. This support has been transformative for our organization.
LEAPS
Receiving YSEALI Seeds allowed us to launch a capacity-building program for Malaysian female students, empowering them to advocate for equality and create a lasting legacy for future generations.
KAMI untuk SEMUA
As a YSEALI Seeds grant recipient, Disaster Busters has capacitated 180 young leaders in the Philippines to advocate for disaster resilience and climate action, strengthening our network of dedicated professionals and students.
#DisasterBusters
Have questions? We’ve got answers.
Who can apply?
Teams of at least three members aged 18-35 who are citizens of Southeast Asian nations are eligible to apply.
What is the timeline for applications?
The final deadline to submit your Stage 1 application is November 17, 2024, at 11:59 PM Jakarta Time (WIB / GMT+7).
We strongly recommend submitting at least one day before the deadline to avoid any technical issues.
How are projects selected?
Projects are chosen based on their alignment with YSEALI’s core themes, originality, feasibility, and potential impact. A panel of experts reviews each application, evaluating the project’s objectives, methodology, sustainability, and ability to drive positive change in Southeast Asia.
Priority is given to innovative initiatives that demonstrate strong community engagement and offer lasting benefits.
What support do winning teams receive?
Winning teams receive comprehensive support including:
- Financial Grants: Funding to implement and scale your project.
- Expert Mentorship: Guidance from industry leaders and experienced YSEALI alumni.
- Training Workshops: Access to specialized training sessions to enhance your skills and project management.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with regional partners, stakeholders, and other YSEALI participants.
- Resource Access: Utilize YSEALI’s resources and tools to support your project’s development and sustainability.
- Visibility and Promotion: Gain exposure through YSEALI’s platforms and events to showcase your project’s impact.
This support is designed to ensure your project not only launches successfully but also achieves long-term positive change in your community.
How does the mentorship program work?
Winning teams are paired with experienced mentors who provide personalized guidance throughout the project. The program includes:
- Matching: Teams are matched with mentors based on their project’s focus and the mentors’ expertise.
- Regular Meetings: Teams and mentors hold scheduled virtual meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and strategies.
- Expert Guidance: Mentors assist with project development, skill enhancement, and problem-solving to ensure successful implementation.
- Resource Sharing: Access to valuable resources, best practices, and networking opportunities to support project sustainability and growth.
Have More Questions?
Access our Help Centre for comprehensive resources and expert guidance to make your YSEALI application stand out.
Explore Help Centre