As your project develops, one important decision is how you will organise your team. The structure you choose can influence who can join the project, what funding opportunities you can apply for, and how responsibilities are shared. There is no single best option since the right choice depends on your project's goals, scale, and stage of development.  

Working as an Informal Youth Group 

If you are just starting out or want to address a challenge in your local community, working as an informal youth group can be a great option. Several European programmes support youth-led initiatives without requiring you to create a registered organisation. Depending on the programme and action, informal groups may be able to apply directly or participate with the support of a partner organisation. This makes it easier to test ideas, gain practical experience, and build confidence before taking on larger initiatives. 

For example, opportunities exist through programmes such as the European Solidarity Corps and some Erasmus+ Youth actions, depending on the specific funding call. 

Working with a Youth Organisation or NGO 

As your project grows or begins to involve international cooperation, partnering with an established youth organisation or NGO can provide additional support. These organisations often have experience in project management, financial administration, and international cooperation, allowing young people to focus on developing ideas and delivering activities. Working with an organisation can also open the door to funding opportunities that require registered applicants. 

How do you choose? 

Ask yourself a few simple questions: 

• Is your project local or international? 
• Are you testing a new idea or managing a larger, long-term initiative? 
• Would your team benefit from support with funding or project management?
• Which structure best matches your project's goals and the funding opportunities you want to explore? 

In general, informal youth groups are a good starting point for testing ideas and responding to local challenges. If your project is still taking shape or focuses on your local community, this is often the simplest option. As projects become more complex, involve international partners, or require more administrative support, collaborating with a youth organisation or NGO may be a better fit and can provide valuable expertise. 

Remember, your first project does not have to be your biggest one. Many successful international initiatives started as small, local ideas led by a group of motivated young people. As your experience grows, so can your partnerships and opportunities.