20 Years of Protecting Rivers. A New Generation to Power the Next 20

Inaugural SPARK Youth Water Grant offers RM120,000 to help young changemakers turn ideas into impact for Malaysia’s water future.

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.

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 just 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.

Renuka Indrarajah, Trustee of SPARK Foundation

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/.

About SPARK Foundation
Established in 2007, SPARK Foundation is dedicated to creating positive and lasting impact for communities and the environment. The Foundation works through strategic partnerships and community-led initiatives to address social and environmental challenges, with a focus on water stewardship and access, environmental conservation, food security and community development. A key initiative is the W.A.T.E.R. Project, a long-standing partnership with Global Environment Centre (GEC) focused on water and river conservation, watershed protection, environmental education and community participation. Through the W.A.T.E.R. Project and other initiatives, SPARK Foundation supports efforts to strengthen water access, promote sustainable food systems, protect natural resources and create learning opportunities for communities and future generations. Through its partnerships and programmes, SPARK Foundation continues to empower communities, build capacity and support practical solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.

For more information on SPARK Foundation, please visit www.sparkfoundation.com.my.

About Global Environment Centre
Global Environment Centre (GEC) is an award-winning Malaysian non-profit organisation established in 1998 to work on environmental issues of global and local importance. GEC has supported community-based natural resource management throughout the ASEAN region. It was recognised by the Malaysian Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources in 2020 as a role model for non-governmental organisations (NGO) for its mangrove forest rehabilitation efforts and was awarded the 2022 Merdeka Award in the Environment Category.

For more information on GEC, please visit www.gec.org.my.