UK Youth announces £2m fund to support struggling youth work sector

The Covid Relief fund is backed with funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Pears Foundation and Paul Hamlyn Foundation as part of the government’s £750m charities package.

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Grants are available to organisations that have lost funding, face the threat of closure, or have had to reduce delivery or services supporting young people during the pandemic.

Organisations which are successful in securing grants of up to £50,000 can use the funds to cover staff salaries, project running costs, organisational development and goods and equipment which supports delivery, UK Youth said.

They must be based and deliver work in England, with a turnover of less than £250,000, to be eligible to apply.

UK Youth is particularly keen to hear from organisations that support young people who are most affected by systemic oppression and discrimination, the charity said.

This includes black, Asian and other groups who experience racism, deaf/disabled people, those who identify as LGBT+, as well as those who have not had financial support growing up. 

A panel made up of sector experts and young people will make the final decision on which organisations will receive funding.

Lindsay Marsden, director of partnerships and fundraising at UK Youth, said: “The pandemic has had a devastating impact on young people and the safe spaces which support them. The role of youth organisations has never been more needed. 

“We know that Covid is having, and will continue to have, an acute impact on the sector, especially after 10 years of de-funding and lack of investment. We are hearing how many organisations are fighting for survival whilst still trying to support the young people who need their help the most. We hope this is just a start.” 

In order to apply, organisations must complete a questionnaire to help build stronger evidence for investment in vital youth services.

All youth organisations in England are encouraged to complete the questionnaire even if they are not eligible for this particular fund, UK Youth added.

Applications close on 25 November.