The Youth Fund is designed to empower organizations working with young people aged 14–25 to create lasting change, enabling future generations to thrive. This initiative focuses on supporting entities that address the challenges young people face as they transition to adulthood, particularly those who experience systemic inequities. It emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive, equitable systems and amplifying the voices of young people to ensure they have the power to shape their futures.

This fund aims to address the barriers that arise from structural, societal, and systemic inequities, which often make transitions more difficult for marginalized youth. It seeks to tackle the underlying causes of injustice by fostering inclusive environments and transformative practices that prioritize equity and sustainability. A key aspect of the fund is recognizing the significance of young people’s insights, ensuring their experiences are acknowledged, and their voices are central to driving change.

Organizations eligible for funding should work directly with young people aged 14–25 and focus on transitions that present significant challenges, such as moving in or out of education, care systems, housing, or the secure estate, which includes prisons and youth detention centers. They should also consider the intersecting identities of young people, including race, gender, sexual orientation, class, migration status, and ability. Priority will be given to organizations led by individuals most impacted by issues such as racism, ableism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination.

The fund supports organizations committed to achieving systemic change rather than solely delivering services. Eligible groups must focus on addressing the root causes of inequities and demonstrate a commitment to anti-racism by actively working to dismantle discriminatory systems and practices. They must also ensure that their work and workforce are representative of the young people they serve, reflecting their lived experiences and fostering respect and relevance.

Funding provided through the Youth Fund is intended to be a strategic investment to enhance the organization’s impact. Grants of up to £50,000 annually are available for a three-year period, with a maximum total of £150,000. Organizations must demonstrate that at least half of their activities are dedicated to supporting young people aged 14–25. The fund is open to not-for-profit entities, including charities, community organizations, and social enterprises, with an annual turnover of £30,000 to £3.5 million. Non-charities must ensure that funding is used for charitable purposes and have an asset lock in place.

Funding can be used to cover core operational expenses, including salaries and delivery costs, to expand the impact of existing programs. However, the fund does not support newly established organizations without independently audited accounts, work deemed a statutory responsibility, projects with limited scope for systemic change, or research disconnected from actionable outcomes. Additionally, the fund does not support service delivery or activities that do not focus on broader systemic impact.

By investing in organizations that drive meaningful change, this initiative seeks to ensure young people have the resources, opportunities, and support they need to navigate their transitions to adulthood successfully.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity