Lead the Change
Lead the Change supports young people to play a leading role in strengthening relationships, fostering understanding and building belonging in their communities.
Lead the Change
Lead the Change is a three‑year initiative launched by BBC Children in Need, in partnership with 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.
Focused on investing in the strengths and leadership of young people, the fund aims to support the provision of safe, supportive spaces where young people can come together to share experiences, build positive relationships and take the lead in starting dialogues around building stronger community relationships.
As well as supporting youth-led activities and development opportunities, Lead the Change gives young people a direct voice in where funding is allocated through a dedicated youth panel, as well as in the evaluation of the programme.
Research shows that many young people feel disconnected, less heard by decision makers and increasingly cautious about expressing themselves - especially online, where exposure to harmful or misleading content can be common. Combined with financial pressures facing families and communities, these factors can deepen isolation and weaken young people’s sense of belonging.
Lead the Change is investing in youth leadership, community connection and opportunity. The programme is enabling youth‑led projects, creating safe spaces, strengthening relationships across communities and helping young people build skills, including navigating online information and shaping positive narratives.
UKCF is supporting the initiative by working with Children in Need to co-ordinate the participation of 17 community foundations, who are delivering the grants to local community groups and also raising further funds.
What Lead the Change aims to achieve
The three-year programme aims to:
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strengthen community connection and safety
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empower young people as leaders, storytellers and changemakers
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support young people to build digital literacy and challenge harmful narratives
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increase opportunity through skills and leadership pathways
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build a national movement for youth‑led connection and change
Key details
Grant amount: £123,353 per organisation
Grant length: 3 years
Approved project grants will support the aims and delivery of the programme and meet the criteria set out below.
In spring 2026, applicants were required to demonstrate the strength of youth leadership and voice within their organisation, relevance to target communities (young people impacted by xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia) and programme aims, safeguarding and trauma-informed practice, capacity to deliver and sustain impact and a commitment to the six principles of high-quality youth social action. We particularly welcomed applications from organisations led by people most impacted by xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia.
Funding is in progress and applications have now closed
21 organisations have been awarded funding
A total of £2.6 million, awarded through phase one, has been awarded to 21 organisations across the UK to support local projects that will empower young people to build stronger connections within their communities, address division and drive positive social change.
The 21 youth-led projects were selected by a panel of 10 young grant makers, aged 19-25, from across the UK, bringing a diverse range of backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences to the decision-making process.
The newly funded organisations will work alongside young people to create safe and inclusive spaces, support youth-led social action, build leadership skills, and encourage meaningful participation in community life. Through workshops, mentoring, community projects, and opportunities to influence decision making, young people will be empowered to challenge harmful narratives, strengthen positive relationships and drive change in their local communities.
Participating community foundations and funded places
Click on the community foundation link for your area to see what is being funded.
Community foundation (with link) |
Places covered |
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Aldershot, Portsmouth, Southampton |
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Belfast |
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Birmingham |
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Bolton, Manchester |
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Bristol |
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Blackburn, Preston, Blackpool, Southport, Liverpool |
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Hartlepool, Darlington, Middlesbrough |
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Leeds |
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Leicester |
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London |
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Hull |
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Nottingham |
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Plymouth |
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Tamworth |
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Sheffield, Rotherham |
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Sunderland |
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Weymouth |
Support
If you have questions about Lead the Change, the best thing is to contact the community foundation managing the programme in your eligible place. If you have a query about the national partnership in general, please email UKCF.