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Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF)

The aim of the Youth Funds is to identify local youth projects or activities that need funding, and to involve local young people in the decision making process.

We award sums of money to worthy projects we receive from local young people. As part of this scheme we involve young people in the whole decision making process.

Youth funds are made up of the Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF) and the Youth Capital Fund (YCF).

Those involved are encouraged to consider local needs and circumstances as well as the services we provide others beyond their immediate group.

Some of the tasks YOF youth participants are involved in include:

  • leading the project funding group
  • decision making
  • awarding grants

In some cases part of the work for YOF can be a credit towards a college course.

Applications must be made by young people aged between 13 and 19 and the young people submitted the application must be supported by an adult.

We especially encourage applications from vulnerable and hard to reach groups.

Applications for overseas travel will be put under great scrutiny, but will also be considered for funding.

If applications fall within the Every Child Matters criteria they stand a good chance of receiving funding.

When an application is put forward on behalf of an organisation or group we will require a copy of its child protection policy and procedures.

However, applications from adults, except in exceptional circumstances, will not be processed, and neither will the following activities or projects:

  • those which directly replace statutory services
  • those which have started before the application process
  • political groups or activities promoting political or religious beliefs
  • those where funding will be for personal use

There is no limit to the amount of funding you can request. Applications between £1000 and £4999 will need supporting evidence such as photographic materials, video or audio presentations.

Grant applications above £5000 will require a supporting presentation and evidence.

Additional information may also be requested at any time and expert witnesses may be called before a grant is awarded.

To apply, complete the Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF) application form and send it to the address on the form, or email it to our Funding Panel.

For more information and guidance on how to apply please download our Youth Fund application guidance.

Applicants can also apply on audio or video tape as long as they answer all the questions from our form. We have equipment which can be loaned for these applications.

For further information or to request a printed application form contact our Funding Panel on 01934 644 075.