Deadline: 03-Mar-2026
The Young Futures Fund provides grants of up to £5,000 to support projects that improve the quality of life for children and young people aged 0–30 in the Buckinghamshire Council area (excluding Milton Keynes). The fund supports innovative, community-led initiatives that enhance economic well-being, education, mental health, digital safety, resilience, and youth empowerment. It prioritises flexible, locally driven solutions that respond directly to the needs of young people.
Overview of the Young Futures Fund
The Young Futures Fund is a local grant programme designed to support organisations delivering workshops, services, and projects that positively impact children and young people living in Buckinghamshire. The fund focuses on long-term social outcomes by investing in prevention, early intervention, and community-based solutions. It encourages organisations to pilot new ideas using a “test and learn” approach while demonstrating clear benefits for young people and their communities.
Key Objectives and Priority Outcomes
The fund supports initiatives that contribute to one or more of the following priority outcomes for children and young people:
-
Improved economic well-being, including budgeting skills and debt management
-
Development of new community facilities and safe spaces
-
Improved access to education, including Early Years support
-
Enhanced mental health and well-being through tackling discrimination and bullying
-
Increased awareness of digital safety and digital inclusion
-
Education and prevention initiatives related to vaping
-
Strengthened self-care, resilience, and emotional well-being
-
Improved nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices
-
Support during key life transitions such as early childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood
-
Empowerment of young people to create positive change in their communities
Grant Amount and Funding Scope
Grants of up to £5,000 are available per project. Funding can support a wide range of small-scale, high-impact initiatives aligned with the fund’s outcomes. The Young Futures Board allows flexibility in project design and does not prescribe delivery methods, recognising that local service providers are best placed to design effective interventions.
Eligible Use of Funds
Funding may be used to cover essential project and organisational costs required to deliver the proposed activities, including:
-
Staffing and sessional worker costs
-
Venue hire and facilities
-
Project materials and resources
-
Marketing, outreach, and engagement activities
-
Core costs directly linked to project delivery
Capital and equipment costs are eligible, but these should generally not exceed 25% of the total project budget unless prior approval has been obtained.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
The fund is open to not-for-profit and community-focused organisations that are based in, or operate for the benefit of, residents within the Buckinghamshire Council area. Eligible applicants include:
-
Registered charities
-
Community and voluntary groups
-
Social enterprises
-
Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
-
Community Interest Companies (CICs) limited by guarantee
-
Community benefit societies
-
Parish and town councils
All applicants must be formally constituted and operate for public benefit.
Why the Young Futures Fund Matters
The Young Futures Fund addresses critical challenges faced by children and young people, including economic insecurity, mental health pressures, digital risks, and unequal access to safe spaces and education. By funding locally designed solutions, the programme strengthens community resilience, supports early intervention, and helps young people develop skills, confidence, and opportunities that improve long-term life outcomes.
How the Fund Works
Organisations are invited to propose projects that align with the fund’s priorities and demonstrate clear, measurable benefits for children and young people. Applicants are encouraged to:
-
Identify a clear local need affecting young people
-
Design an innovative or responsive intervention
-
Explain how the project improves outcomes and quality of life
-
Provide a realistic budget and delivery plan
-
Demonstrate organisational capacity to deliver the project successfully
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve their chances of success by:
-
Clearly linking activities to the fund’s priority outcomes
-
Demonstrating strong local knowledge and community engagement
-
Including realistic timelines and measurable outcomes
-
Showing value for money and sustainability where possible
-
Keeping proposals focused, practical, and outcome-driven
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can benefit from funded projects?
Projects must benefit children and young people aged from birth to 30 who live in the Buckinghamshire Council area, excluding Milton Keynes.
What is the maximum grant available?
Applicants can apply for funding of up to £5,000 per project.
Can funding be used for core organisational costs?
Yes, core costs are eligible if they are necessary to deliver the project’s intended outcomes.
Are capital or equipment costs allowed?
Yes, capital and equipment costs are eligible but should normally not exceed 25% of the total project budget.
Does the fund require specific delivery methods?
No, the fund does not prescribe delivery methods and welcomes innovative and flexible approaches.
Can new or small organisations apply?
Yes, provided they are formally constituted and operate for public benefit.
Is partnership working encouraged?
Yes, partnerships are encouraged where they strengthen delivery and improve outcomes for young people.
Conclusion
The Young Futures Fund offers a valuable opportunity for local organisations to improve the lives of children and young people across Buckinghamshire. By supporting flexible, community-led projects that address economic well-being, education, mental health, and resilience, the fund plays a vital role in building stronger, healthier, and more inclusive futures for young people.
For more information, visit Young Futures Fund.