What will it fund? Innovative projects that address the five Every Child Matters outcomes. For this round, the Big Lottery Fund is keen to see applications that address the "economic wellbeing" outcome, because it was under-represented in the first round. Projects should be for young people between the ages of 11 and 18, extending to 25 for projects aimed at disadvantaged young people who find the transition to independent adult life difficult. The fund is flexible about what constitutes "innovative" and is prepared to fund the expansion of pilots, although not core work or projects substantially funded by another body.
Who can apply? This particular scheme is for national charities in England - there are Young People Fund schemes specific to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Consortia involving public and private organisations are also eligible, so long as the lead applicant is a charity working at a national level.
How much is available? This round will distribute 13.8m and grants will be about 1m over a three-year period.
Application process: There will be a two-stage application process, with a limited number of applicants being invited to proceed to a second stage.
Pre-application seminars are being held in London on 24 October and 14 November, and Birmingham on 9 November. The closing date for stage one is 27 January 2006. Development grants are available to help selected groups develop their stage-two applications by autumn 2006.
See www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.
