WHAT WILL IT FUND? Grants to Organisations funds work that addresses at least two of the five Every Child Matters outcomes. Projects should be for young people aged 11 to 18 (or 25 for work with young people who have specific difficulties with the transition to adulthood). The work must be a distinct project - that is a distinct piece of work that is new to your organisation. It does not have to be just about tackling disadvantage but should help disadvantaged young people come together with others to enjoy or benefit from activities or be accessible to young people from a diverse range of backgrounds. Groups must be able to demonstrate how young people are "at the centre of identifying, planning, delivering and evaluating projects".
WHO CAN APPLY? Community-led, not-for profit organisations. That covers many types of voluntary organisations and includes partnerships involving statutory services that are led by community groups.
HOW MUCH IS AVAILABLE? Grants are between 5,000 and 150,000 over three years. The total of grants for this part of the programme is 40m.
Applications procedure: English organisations have until 14 July 2006 to apply, with a second stage application deadline of 16 October. More information and application forms are available on www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.
If you can't make this deadline, don't despair - phase two of the Young People's Fund will open for applications in 2007.
