Lead the Change Grant 2026 in the UK: £123,353 Funding for Youth-Led Community Projects

Organisations working with young people in the United Kingdom now have an exciting opportunity to access major funding through the Lead the Change Grant 2026. This three-year initiative is designed to empower young people to lead meaningful change, strengthen community relationships, and create safer, more connected environments.

The programme has been launched by BBC Children in Need in partnership with several leading foundations and funders, including Co-op Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Henry Smith Foundation, Joseph Levy Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Postcode Justice Trust, UK Community Foundations, and The National Lottery Community Fund.

This funding opportunity is ideal for community organisations committed to youth leadership, inclusion, belonging, and tackling harmful narratives affecting young people today.

About the Lead the Change Programme

Lead the Change responds to growing concerns that many young people feel unheard, disconnected, and excluded from decision-making processes. Social pressures, online misinformation, racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and financial hardship have deepened feelings of isolation for many communities.

Through this initiative, funded organisations will help young people:

• Build stronger relationships in their communities
• Feel safer and more connected
• Develop leadership skills
• Create positive change through youth-led action
• Improve digital literacy and challenge harmful online content
• Access skills pathways, mentoring, and future opportunities

Grant Value and Duration

Successful organisations will receive:

• Grant Amount: £123,353 per organisation
• Funding Period: 3 years

This long-term funding allows organisations to create sustainable impact and deliver meaningful youth-focused programmes.

What the Grant Will Fund

Lead the Change will support projects that strengthen local relationships, build confidence, and help young people lead change in their communities.

Eligible activities may include:

Safe Spaces for Young People

• Youth clubs
• Sports programmes
• Creative hubs
• Cultural spaces
• Community connection activities

Youth Leadership and Social Action

• Youth-led campaigns
• Co-designed community projects
• Leadership development programmes
• Intercultural initiatives

Pathways to Opportunity

• Skills development
• Mentoring
• Employability training
• Apprenticeship connections

Digital Literacy and Narrative Change

• Tackling misinformation
• Challenging harmful narratives
• Storytelling projects
• Youth-created media content

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must be not-for-profit organisations operating in eligible UK areas and meet the following criteria:

• Annual turnover under £2 million
• Minimum of three unrelated trustees
• Work with children and young people aged 18 and under
• Trusted within their communities
• Strong safeguarding systems
• Trauma-informed approach
• Youth voice embedded in planning and delivery
• Capacity to deliver long-term impact

The programme particularly welcomes applications from organisations led by people most impacted by xenophobia, racism, and Islamophobia.

Ineligible Applicants and Costs

The grant does not fund:

• Individuals
• Profit-making organisations
• Local authorities, schools, NHS bodies, prisons
• Housing associations
• Political or religious campaigning
• Medical treatment or research
• Holidays or overseas trips
• Debt repayment
• Retrospective costs
• Large capital projects
• Already funded activities

Application Process

Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Applications opened on 1 April 2026.

Applicants must apply through their relevant community foundation. Deadlines vary depending on location, so applicants should check directly with their local community foundation.

Shortlisted organisations will be contacted by:

30 April 2026

Stage 2: Full Application (Invitation Only)

Successful EOI applicants will receive invitations in May 2026.

Applicants will have at least four weeks to complete the full application.

Final funding decisions are expected in:

Mid to Late August 2026

Eligible Areas

The programme covers selected locations across the UK, including:

• Belfast
• Birmingham
• Blackburn
• Blackpool
• Bolton
• Bristol
• Darlington
• Hartlepool
• Hull
• Leeds
• Leicester
• Liverpool
• London
• Manchester
• Middlesbrough
• Nottingham
• Plymouth
• Portsmouth
• Preston
• Rotherham
• Sheffield
• Southampton
• Southport
• Sunderland
• Tamworth
• Weymouth
• Aldershot

Why You Should Apply

This is more than just funding. It is an opportunity to become part of a national movement that supports youth leadership, inclusion, and community transformation.

If your organisation works directly with young people and wants to create measurable local impact, Lead the Change could be the support you need.

Deadline

• Expression of Interest deadlines vary by community foundation
• Shortlisted applicants notified by 30 April 2026
• Full applications open in May 2026

How to Apply

Applicants must apply through the relevant community foundation covering their local area.

Check your local foundation for specific deadlines and application links.

APPLY HERE. 

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