A Project for Change!
Youth Match Point is a European initiative designed to bridge the gap between young people and opportunities for engagement, learning, and collaboration.
In an age where youth are often overwhelmed by the vast amount of digital information, the project provides a structured, supportive environment that enables them to actively participate in social, civic, and professional initiatives.
The project responds to a key challenge: many young people in Europe face difficulties in accessing meaningful opportunities for personal growth, civic engagement, and professional development. Whether due to lack of awareness, resources, or support networks, these barriers often prevent youth from realizing their full potential.
Youth Match Point aims to change this by offering:
- A space for young people to connect with peers and mentors.
- Resources and structured programs to enhance their skills and participation in civic life.
- A community-driven approach to building a more engaged and empowered youth sector across Europe.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The core mission of Youth Match Point is to support young people in becoming active citizens, confident professionals, and community leaders. The project is structured around three key pillars:
CONNECT
Creating meaningful relationships between young people and experienced youth workers.
ENGAGE
Encouraging active participation in social and civic initiatives.
EMPOWER
Providing accessible resources, mentorship, and opportunities for skills development.
HOW DOES THE PROJECT WORK?
Youth Match Point provides a structured yet flexible framework that allows young people and youth workers to:
EXCHANGE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCES
ACCESS
EXPLORE
FOSTER
WHO IS BEHIND YOUTH MATCH POINT?
Youth Match Point is a collaborative effort of six European organizations dedicated to fostering youth engagement and development. Each partner brings expertise in youth work, education, community development, and digital innovation, ensuring a well-rounded approach to empowering young people across Europe.
Higher Incubator Giving Growth and Sustainability (HIGGS) – Greece (lead partner)
HIGGS is a Greek non-profit organization dedicated to empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) through educational and supportive programs. It offers capacity-building initiatives tailored to small and medium-sized CSOs, including:
Accelerator: Training and consultancy for NPOs operating for over two years.
Incubator: Support for newly established or rebooting CSOs, including green and social entrepreneurship initiatives.
Recharge: Strategic guidance for CSOs operating for over five years to adapt to changing environments.
Since its inception, HIGGS has supported 204 CSOs across Greece, helping them secure over €10M in funding and create more than 771 jobs. HIGGS also offers external evaluation services, conducts research, and fosters collaboration within the Greek CSO ecosystem.
The Future Now Association (TFN) - Bulgaria
The Future Now Association (TFN) is a Bulgarian youth NGO dedicated to empowering young people and advocating for their interests. TFN focuses on personal development, entrepreneurship, mental health, gender equality, and social justice through volunteering, community engagement, and innovative initiatives.
Key activities include:
- Supporting youth projects and fostering entrepreneurship.
- Promoting mental well-being and effective communication.
- Advancing gender equality and inclusion.
- Equipping young experts to tackle global challenges via research and training.
TFN’s team combines expertise in non-formal education, gamification, and multimedia content creation, delivering sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact on youth and communities.
Yasar University - Turkey
Yasar University, founded in 2001, is a leading higher education institution in Turkey, offering over 60 degree programs across 10 faculties, 4 schools, and a graduate school. With more than 10,000 students and 500 academic staff, it provides English-medium instruction for most programs and collaborates extensively with civil society, industry, and international partners.
Highlights include:
- Active participation in over 135 EU-funded projects since 2005, with ongoing involvement in Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs focusing on innovation, sustainability, digital youth work, and more.
- Recognized as a “Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence” in 2022 for advancing EU-Turkey diversity studies.
- Leadership in cutting-edge research areas such as energy efficiency, circular economy, and virtual reality.
Yasar University is committed to fostering global partnerships, advancing EU studies, and addressing societal challenges through education and research.
Xeracion - Spain
Xeración is a nonprofit organization based in northwest Spain, dedicated to empowering youth and promoting sustainable development through local and international initiatives. Its key objectives include:
- Supporting youth mobility across Europe and beyond, especially for those with fewer opportunities.
- Expanding social cooperation, volunteering, and intercultural dialogue.
- Promoting active citizenship, social entrepreneurship, and critical thinking.
- Advancing values of tolerance, solidarity, and social justice.
- Encouraging healthy lifestyles, ecological living, and environmental protection.
Xeración organizes seminars, training courses, mobility projects, and volunteer opportunities, fostering partnerships with organizations and public bodies worldwide. Committed to “Education for Sustainable Development,” the organization also supports others in improving their project quality.
TDM 2000 International – Italy
TDM 2000 International, founded in 2008, is an independent organization uniting 22 youth NGOs across 18 countries to foster cooperation and empower European youth. Its mission is to support young people in becoming active community members, fostering creativity, innovation, and employable skills.
Key activities include:
- Promoting youth participation in decision-making by connecting them with policymakers, media, and stakeholders.
- Implementing projects in areas such as social inclusion, climate change, entrepreneurship, and citizenship using non-formal education and innovative methodologies.
- Driving environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and digital transformation across all initiatives.
As an active participant in Erasmus+ and other EU programs, TDM 2000 International empowers youth and adults, improving their skills, knowledge, and values through experiential learning and long-term sustainable impact.
Central Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency (CTRIA) - Hungary
CTRIA is a regional innovation agency and a member of a nationwide network established by the government, collaborating with public and private partners to drive regional development. Through partnerships with innovators, universities, businesses, and communities, CTRIA delivers services, training, and project management in areas like innovation, youth development, sustainable tourism, and digitalization.
Key areas of expertise:
- Innovation and digital innovation management
- Youth awareness, social inclusion, and skill development
- Entrepreneurship and tourism digitalization support
- Community engagement and public participation
CTRIA’s notable initiatives include EU-funded projects like Innoschool (youth social entrepreneurship), FACT (youth policy awareness), and Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, along with regional efforts like teenprove4.0. Accredited as an adult education provider, CTRIA brings extensive experience in training, network building, and managing international projects for special interest groups, especially youth.
WHY YOUTH MATCH POINT MATTERS
The European Youth Strategy (2019–2027) emphasizes the importance of engaging, connecting, and empowering young people to shape their futures actively. Youth Match Point aligns with these goals by creating a structured, supportive, and resource-rich space for youth engagement.
By addressing common challenges such as:
✔️ Lack of access to resources and networks
✔️ Limited participation in civic and community life
✔️ Need for mentorship and professional guidance
The project contributes to a stronger, more inclusive, and better-connected European youth sector.
Learn More
For additional insights into the project, its activities, and its impact, visit our partners' websites or explore related European youth initiatives.
Youth Match Point is a stepping stone toward a more engaged and empowered generation—built on collaboration, shared knowledge, and a vision for a brighter future.