Apply Now for £10,000 Youth Project Funding in Barnsley and Wakefield – Involving Young People Fund: (Deadline 3 June, 2025)

The Involving Young People Fund is a collaborative initiative supported by HUDL, The Youth Association, the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, and the Leeds Community Foundation. This fund aims to back community-based projects that address pressing issues faced by young people today.

While a variety of project types are welcome, the fund places priority on initiatives that focus on:

• Mental health and wellbeing

• Homelessness

• LGBTQIA+ inclusion

Key Information

• Grant Amount: £10,000 (fixed)

• Location: Barnsley and Wakefield

• Project Duration: 1 year

• Application Deadline: 3 June 2025 at 12 noon

• Decision Notification: August 2025

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for funding, your organisation must meet the following:

• Work with young people aged 11–25

• Clearly demonstrate how young people are involved in the design, delivery, and decision-making of the project

• Have a total income under £750,000 in the most recent financial year

• Be based in Barnsley or Wakefield (organisations outside these areas must show a clear track record and link to the area)

• Be a not-for-profit entity with:

  • At least three independent and unrelated Trustees/Directors/Committee Members

  • A governing document (e.g. constitution, memorandum and articles of association) with a dissolution clause or asset lock

  • A bank or building society account in the organisation’s name with at least two unrelated authorised signatories

  • Up-to-date accounts or financial records (new organisations must provide a bank statement and project budget)

  • A safeguarding policy, if working with children or vulnerable adults

Who Can Apply?

Grants of £5,000 or Less

• Not-for-profit incorporated Community Organisations (e.g. CIOs, CICs limited by guarantee, charitable companies)

• Charities registered with the Charity Commission that are not incorporated (cannot use funds for PAYE staff but can for freelance staff)

• Small unincorporated and unregistered groups with an annual income below £10,000 (must remain under this threshold with grant)

Grants Over £5,000

• Only incorporated not-for-profit organisations (e.g. CIOs, CICs limited by guarantee, charitable companies)

• Registered charities that are not incorporated can apply, but cannot allocate funds to PAYE staff

Please note:

• For-profit and statutory organisations (e.g. schools, hospitals) are not eligible

• Overseas organisations and expeditions are not eligible

What the Fund Can Support

Examples of eligible activities include:

• Mental health support services and anti-stigma programs for young people

• Homelessness support, including temporary housing, education, and employment resources

• LGBTQIA+ inclusion, support services, and safe spaces

• Projects addressing the intersectionality of two or more of the themes above

• Other youth-led initiatives that can demonstrate meaningful change and significant youth involvement

What the Fund Cannot Support

• Costs or activities that have already taken place

• Discriminatory activities or those that exclude people without valid reason

• Promotion of a specific political or religious viewpoint

• Animal-related activities as a primary focus

• Capital appeals for building projects

• Re-granting to other organisations or individuals

• Statutory or overseas organisations

• Unregistered organisations (due to the fixed grant size of £10,000)

Additional Considerations

When planning your application, consider:

• Full Cost Recovery, including management and overheads

• Paying the real Living Wage

• Budgeting for increased costs over the funding period

• Making your activity inclusive and accessible, especially during the cost-of-living crisis (e.g. transport, food, childcare)

• Ensuring compliance with relevant insurance, health and safety, and statutory regulations

Important Notes

• Only one application per organisation is allowed

• Around nine projects will be funded in total

• There will be a second-stage interview with a youth panel and fund representatives

• Incomplete applications will not be considered

• All funding decisions are final

Before You Apply

Please make sure to:

• Read the full grant-making process

• Review the fund’s guidance on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in applications and reporting

Ready to Apply?

Link:  Application Form

For further details visit: Leeds Community Foundation website