Movember and Equimundo launch the Young Men and Media Collective funding opportunity application
The Young Men and Media Collective (YMMC) is a new initiative that aims to transform the way young men see themselves, and the world around them. It will bring together creators, platforms and organisations to test what works to expand ideas about what it means to be a man, which young men are increasingly exposed to.
Coinciding with YMMC’s launch is the announcement of eight to 10 new funding opportunities; each grant will fund test and learn activities to understand what works to change the stories that young men subscribe to.
Read on to find out more about the new Collective and how to apply for a grant. The Call for Expressions of Interest are now open.
What is the YMMC?
The YMMC is an ambitious new initiative designed to bring together content creators, producers, influencers, media platforms, and organisations reaching men and boys online in a collaborative space. The YMMC serves as a hub for experimentation, learning, and dialogue, focused on evolving and reshaping the dominant — and often harmful — ideas about what it means to be a man that persist in online environments.
The YMMC is building a diverse and dynamic network of partners with funding to support bold, fresh ideas and innovative approaches. We are seeking to support eight to 10 partners, to produce and distribute compelling content that speaks directly to young men. The goal is to disrupt harmful ideals — such as the ‘relentlessly rich and ripped’ archetype — and offer alternative, healthier ideas about what it means to be a man.
If you have questions or want to talk to the team about becoming a partner in the YMMC Learning Network, please email sarah.sternberg@movember.com.
Who is co-convening YMMC?
Movember and Equimundo are co-convening the YMMC, bringing both organizations’ expertise in masculinities, health, social justice and putting research insights into action.
What are the “test and learn” funding opportunities?
As part of the YMMC, Movember, Equimundo, and Oak Foundation are co-funding a series of eight to 10 ‘test and learn’ funding opportunities available for organisations and individuals focused on exploring what works to expand ideas about what it means to be a man that young men are exposed to online. The learnings from these pilots will be shared with the YMMC’s wider learning network to equip a larger group of organisations to effectively support and create alternative ideas with the goal of ultimately shifting young men’s views of what it means to be a man today.
Who can apply
Organisations or individuals with experience in designing and producing content that engages young men. Must be based within United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or United States of America.
The YMMC Initiative will appeal to:
- Online publishers
- Game designers
- Platforms
- Social impact content agencies
- Influencers
- Implementing organisations working with boys and young men
- Youth-led organizations
More details on funding eligibility in the “Expression of Interest” document in our grant portal linked here.
How to apply
Applications open September 30th, 2025. All Expressions of Interest must be submitted online by the submission deadline by 5:00pm EDT on October 28th at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=movember. Late submissions or applications submitted through any other means will not be accepted.
Steps:
- Register and create a profile.
- Provide organisation or individual and project lead details and contact information.
- Provide the total funding amount that will be requested.A full budget is not required for Phase 1 of the EOI.
- Confirm that you have read and understood the application guidelines and that your organisation and initiative meet the eligibility criteria by completing the online checklist and uploading any corresponding requested documentation.
- Complete all the questions and submit the EOI.
Lead the way
The Young Men and Media Collective is about more than funding projects; it’s about building a movement. If you have the ideas, networks, or platforms to help change the way masculinities are represented online, we encourage you to apply and join us in reshaping the stories young men see every day.