Deadline: 08-Jun-2026
The Pears Youth Fund supports UK-based not-for-profit organisations delivering youth work, empowerment programmes, and youth engagement activities. The fund focuses on life skills, social connection, nature-based experiences, and personal development opportunities for young people.
It provides £20,000 per organisation over two years (£10,000 per year) and supports both core costs and youth-focused programme delivery.
About the Fund
The Pears Youth Fund is a partnership between:
- Leeds Community Foundation
- GiveBradford
- Pears Foundation
It aims to strengthen organisations working directly with young people by funding high-quality youth work that promotes:
- Empowerment
- Social connection
- Personal development
- Community engagement
Key Focus Areas
The fund supports initiatives that provide:
- Youth work and youth services
- Youth empowerment and leadership
- Social engagement activities
- Life skills development
- Nature-based and outdoor experiences
- Personal growth opportunities
- Youth voice and participation
Funding Details
- Total grant: £20,000
- Duration: 2 years
- Annual amount: £10,000 per year
- Funding use: Core costs and/or youth programme delivery
Funding flexibility allows organisations to allocate resources based on operational needs.
Eligible Activities
Supported activities include:
- Life skills development programmes
- Youth clubs and engagement sessions
- Outdoor learning and nature-based experiences
- Social connection and wellbeing activities
- Creative, recreational, and developmental youth projects
- Opportunities for youth voice and participation
Ineligible Activities
The fund does not support:
- Completed or retrospective activities
- Political or religious promotion
- Discriminatory initiatives
- Capital building or infrastructure appeals
- Animal-focused projects
- Grant-making or regranting activities
- Statutory organisation responsibilities
- Overseas travel or expedition programmes
- Applications from unregistered organisations
Eligible Applicants
Eligible organisations include:
- Charities registered with the Charity Commission (UK)
- Charitable companies registered with Companies House
- CIOs (Charitable Incorporated Organisations)
- CICs limited by guarantee
- FCA Mutuals Public Register organisations
- Other incorporated not-for-profit organisations
Additional Condition
Unincorporated charities may apply, but cannot use funding for PAYE staff costs.
Programme Purpose
The fund aims to:
- Strengthen youth work infrastructure in local communities
- Expand access to meaningful youth engagement opportunities
- Improve wellbeing and social connection among young people
- Support personal development and resilience
- Encourage inclusive participation in youth activities
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Identify youth needs in their community
- Design engagement or empowerment-based programmes
- Align activities with youth development outcomes
- Demonstrate organisational capacity
- Submit a funding application through the relevant partner foundation
Strong applications typically show:
- Clear youth engagement outcomes
- Strong community connection
- Practical and inclusive activities
- Evidence of youth voice involvement
- Sustainable delivery model
Tips for Applicants
To strengthen your application:
- Focus on real youth outcomes, not just activities
- Show how young people shape the programme
- Include outdoor or experiential learning where possible
- Demonstrate inclusion and accessibility
- Clearly explain how funding improves youth work capacity
Avoid proposals that are capital-heavy, politically driven, or not directly youth-focused.
FAQ
Who can apply?
UK-based incorporated not-for-profit organisations, including charities, CIOs, CICs, and similar entities.
How much funding is available?
£20,000 per organisation over two years.
What is the focus of the fund?
Youth work, empowerment, life skills, and social connection activities.
Can funding be used for staff costs?
Yes, if the organisation is incorporated. Unincorporated charities cannot use it for PAYE staff costs.
Are overseas trips allowed?
No. Overseas travel or expeditions are not eligible.
Can capital projects be funded?
No. Capital building or infrastructure projects are not supported.
Conclusion
The Pears Youth Fund strengthens youth work across the UK by funding organisations that deliver meaningful engagement, empowerment, and life skills development for young people. Through flexible core and programme funding, it supports inclusive, community-based approaches that help young people grow, connect, and thrive.
For more information, visit Leeds Community Foundation.