Pots of Gold

Name:  Young People’s Fund Grants to Organisations Programme

Contact details: 1 Plough Place, London EC4A 1DE  
Tel. 020 7211 1800
www.thebiglottery.org.uk/programmes/ypf/

What is it? The Young People’s Fund awards grants to organisations in England.  Separate YPFs are being set up for application in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales early this year.

Who runs it? The Young People’s Fund is run by new National Lottery distributors the Big Lottery Fund.
Launched on 1 June 2004 through the merger of the New Opportunities Fund and the Community Fund, the Big Lottery Fund distributes half of all National Lottery good cause funding across the UK.

How long will it last? Until September 2006.

How much money does it give away? £40m over the two years

How big is each grant? Grants are between £5,000 and £150,000 over a three-year period.

Who or what is the money intended for? The programme funds projects for young people aged 11 to 18. It may also fund schemes for disadvantaged young people up to the age of 25 who find the transition to independent adult life difficult.

What kind of projects are eligible? Projects must help promote at least two of the following:

• Health
  
• Safety
  
• Enjoyment and achievement
  
• A positive contribution to the community and to society
  
• Economic well-being

Who can apply? The scheme makes grants to community-led, not-for-profit organisations. This includes charities but NOT schools, local authorities, parish councils, NHS Trusts, commercial companies or individuals.

How do I apply? The application process is as follows:

• Fill in and send off a proposal form obtained from: www.thebiglottery.org.uk/programmes/ypf/apply/proposal.htm
  
• If your proposal is accepted you will be sent an application form within 10 days.
  
• Send in your full application form within six months.
  
• You will receive a decision within three months.
  
• If you receive a grant you must begin your project within six months.

Will the Fund monitor our project? Projects will be monitored annually, against milestones and outcomes agreed between the Fund and the grant holder. Details can be found here:
www.c-f.org.uk/funding-your-project/forms-and-guidance/outcomes/your-project-and-its-outcomes.html

When should I apply? The programme is under way, so you can apply as soon as your project is ready.

When can I expect the money if successful? As soon as you have completed the paperwork and satisfied any conditions you’ve agreed with the Fund.