The UK Youth, in partnership with the Pears Foundation, has launched the UK Youth Fund, a transformative £10 million funding initiative aimed at strengthening small youth organisations across the United Kingdom.
This ambitious programme is designed to provide multi-year unrestricted funding combined with targeted capacity-building support, helping grassroots organisations build resilience, sustainability, and long-term impact for young people.
What is the UK Youth Fund?
The UK Youth Fund is a strategic funding initiative focused on empowering small organisations that deliver vital services to young people. Unlike traditional grants, this fund offers flexible, unrestricted funding, allowing organisations to allocate resources where they are most needed.
This approach recognizes that grassroots organisations are best positioned to understand their own challenges and opportunities, enabling them to:
- Strengthen core operations
- Invest in innovation
- Improve long-term sustainability
- Expand their impact on young people
The fund builds on a successful partnership between UK Youth and Pears Foundation, which has already delivered impactful programmes such as the COVID Relief Fund (£2.2 million) and the Cost-of-Living Fund (£7 million).
Objectives of the Fund
The UK Youth Fund is structured around two key outcomes:
1. Improved Financial Sustainability
Through multi-year unrestricted funding, organisations can:
- Plan strategically for long-term growth
- Stabilize operations
- Allocate resources flexibly
2. Increased Capability and Organisational Resilience
Through capacity-building support, organisations can:
- Strengthen internal systems
- Improve leadership and governance
- Enhance service delivery for young people
Funding Details
Eligible organisations can apply for multi-year unrestricted funding of up to:
10% of their annual turnover
This proportional funding model ensures:
- Fair distribution of resources
- Sustainability aligned with organisational size
- Long-term financial resilience
Organisations are encouraged to use the funding in ways that maximize impact, whether through:
- Operational strengthening
- Programme development
- Innovation initiatives
Who Can Apply?
The fund is specifically designed for small youth organisations operating in the UK.
Eligibility criteria include:
- Annual turnover of less than £500,000
- Delivery of services to young people
- Operations within eligible communities across:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
Importantly, eligibility is based on the communities served, not the organisation’s headquarters.
Even organisations supporting just one young person from eligible areas can apply, making the fund highly inclusive and accessible.
Application Process
The UK Youth Fund uses a two-stage application process designed to be accessible and efficient:
Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Short eligibility check and multiple-choice questions
- Confirms whether organisations meet criteria
Stage 2: Full Application
- Invited applicants submit detailed proposals
- Focus on impact, sustainability, and organisational needs
This structure reduces unnecessary workload and ensures only eligible organisations proceed.
Key Dates
- Expression of Interest opens: April 14, 2026 (2:00 PM)
- EOI Deadline: May 6, 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Application Invitation: May 11, 2026
- Final Application Deadline: June 3, 2026 (11:59 PM)
Applications must be submitted via the official online grant system.
Information Webinar
Applicants can attend an online information session on April 21, 2026 (2:00 PM) to:
- Learn more about the fund
- Understand eligibility criteria
- Ask questions directly to the grants team
Why This Fund Matters
The UK Youth Fund arrives at a critical time when youth organisations face increasing demand and financial pressure. By offering flexible, long-term funding, the programme enables organisations to:
- Provide stable and safe spaces for young people
- Address social and economic challenges
- Deliver impactful youth services
- Build sustainable futures for their communities
This initiative represents a major investment in the future of youth work across the UK, ensuring that grassroots organisations can continue transforming young lives.
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