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PETALING JAYA, 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 – Young changemakers with ideas to improve rivers, protect watershed or strengthen community access to water now have an opportunity to turn those ideas into action. SPARK Foundation today launched the SPARK Youth Water Grant, a new national initiative under the W.A.T.E.R Project that provides funding and knowledge sharing for youth-led solutions to Malaysia’s river and watershed challenges. Developed in partnership with Global Environment Centre (GEC), the grant aims to empower the next generation of water changemakers to create meaningful impact in their communities.
A total of RM120,000 in seed funding is available for projects focused on Water Quality, Water Quantity, Water Accessibility and River Biodiversity. Applications are now open to eligible youth aged 18 to 35 until 30 November 2026.
The launch is in conjunction with the World River’s Day, and marks a significant milestone as the W.A.T.E.R Project approaches its 20th anniversary. Since 2007, SPARK Foundation has invested more than RM16 million and worked together with GEC to protect and restore Malaysia’s water resources through river rehabilitation, watershed protection and community-based conservation initiatives. As the programme enters a new decade, the SPARK Youth Water Grant represents the next chapter of the W.A.T.E.R Project’s journey by investing in young changemakers who will help shape the future of water stewardship in Malaysia.
Renuka Indrarajah, Trustee of SPARK Foundation, said:
“The W.A.T.E.R Project has demonstrated what is possible when communities, environmental experts and dedicated partners come together to protect our watersheds. What began with the revival of Sungai Way from a polluted river into a living waterway has evolved into a broader effort to safeguarding the Sungai Selangor watershed through initiatives such as the construction of a 305-metre clay dyke and 3-hectares of reforestation to restore degraded peatland, and community-led programmes including river ranger initiatives, community gardens, food security and rainwater harvesting systems that strengthen local resilience. As we approach this important milestone, we want to invest in the next generation of water leaders and changemakers. The SPARK Youth Water Grant is about more than funding ideas. It is about giving young changemakers the support and opportunities to turn their ideas into meaningful action. We believe today’s young people can help shape a more water-secure future for Malaysia.”
From Awareness to Action
The SPARK Youth Water Grant aims to help young people transform ideas into action, whether by developing working prototypes, piloting community solutions or scaling innovative concepts. Eligible projects may address challenges such as disaster preparedness, pollution mitigation, biodiversity conservation, water access, and water conservation, with clear environmental and community outcomes.
Beyond seed funding, successful applicants will gain access to an empowerment programme led by environmental experts, covering traditional and local knowledge, science, nature-based solutions and community-led approaches.
Dr Kalithasan Kailasam, Deputy Director, Global Environment Centre, said:
“Young people often have fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, but what they need is an opportunity to put those ideas into practice. This grant provides a platform for them to test solutions, learn from experts and communities, and create meaningful change where it matters most. We are looking for ideas that respond to real challenges facing communities and rivers. Most importantly, we want to support young people who are passionate about creating lasting environmental and social impact.”
Applications Now Open
The SPARK Youth Water Grant offers two funding tiers:
- Tier 1 – University student groups: RM3,000 to RM5,000 per project, open to eligible Malaysian undergraduate and postgraduate students studying at public or private universities in Malaysia.
- Tier 2 – Start-ups and social enterprises: RM5,000 to RM15,000 per project, open to eligible Malaysian-owned youth-led start-ups and social enterprises.
Projects must be youth-led and implemented in Malaysia, with clear and measurable environmental and/or community outcomes.
Applications close on 30 November 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch their proposals in January 2027, with successful recipients announced in March 2027.
For full application guidelines and to submit a proposal, visit https://www.sparkyouthwatergrant.org/.
