UK Community Foundations celebrates launch of new programme of funding for Youth Social Action

Please note that applications are now closed

Following the successful delivery of the first two phases of the #iwill Fund, UK Community Foundations is pleased to announce a third round of funding which will prioritise inspiring 10–14-year-olds to get involved in social action in their communities. Community foundations will use match funding to double the resources available leading to total funding of more than £1.4m for the programme.

The #iwill movement brings together cross-sector organisations and young people who believe that all children and young people should have the chance to make a positive difference on the issues that affect their lives, their communities, and broader society. The #iwill Fund supports this movement and is made possible thanks to £66 million joint investment from The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The #iwill Fund helps create opportunities for young people to get involved in social action by developing their skills and potential, and their communities where they gain the confidence to make a positive contribution.

Sixteen community foundations from the UKCF network will award grants of up to £10,000 to groups for projects lasting up to a year. They aim to fund both new and well-established groups and to encourage young people who are new to social action, focusing particularly on the 10-14 age range.

Examples of projects funded in earlier funding rounds include intergenerational volunteering programmes, environmental initiatives and involving young people in the design and delivery of community activities.

Rosemary Macdonald, CEO of UKCF commented,

“Young people are the future of our communities. By encouraging 10–14-year-olds to get involved in social action and see the benefits for themselves and their communities, we are creating strong foundations for the future.”

  

Participating community foundations will be launching the #iwill Fund on Monday 3^rd October.

 

They include:

The Community Foundation for Tyne & Wear and Northumberland

Cambridgeshire Community Foundation

Cornwall Community Foundation

County Durham Community Foundation

Dorset Community Foundation

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation

Cheshire Community Foundation

One Community (Kirklees)

Two Ridings Community Foundation

Worcestershire Community Foundation

The Community Foundation for Staffordshire

Northamptonshire Community Foundation

Berkshire Community Foundation

Community Foundation for Calderdale

Wiltshire Community Foundation

Herefordshire Community Foundation