Deadline: 15-Jun-2026
The Momentum Youth Fund provides grants of up to £750 to support grassroots community projects and activities benefiting young people in Norfolk aged 11–19, and up to 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The fund supports youth-focused activities, mental health initiatives, outreach work, training opportunities, recreational projects, and improvements to youth facilities and resources.
Supported by Norfolk County Council, the programme is designed to help small community organisations create meaningful, inclusive, and life-enriching opportunities for children and young people across Norfolk.
Overview of the Momentum Youth Fund
The Momentum Youth Fund supports local organisations delivering positive activities and services for young people in Norfolk.
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen grassroots youth initiatives
- Improve opportunities for young people
- Support community-based youth engagement
- Enhance youth wellbeing and mental health
- Encourage youth participation in decision-making
Projects should demonstrate clear benefits for local young people.
Funding Details
Maximum Grant Amount
Organizations can apply for:
- Up to £750
Target Age Groups
The fund supports projects for:
- Young people aged 11–19
- Young people up to age 25 with SEND
Funding is intended for small-scale, community-focused initiatives.
What the Fund Supports
The programme supports a wide range of youth-focused activities and resources.
Eligible activities may include:
- Community youth projects
- Outreach programmes
- Recreational activities
- Creative arts activities
- Mental health support initiatives
- Youth engagement programmes
- Staff and volunteer training
- Youth work development
The fund also supports projects shaped through consultation with young people.
Eligible Costs
Funding may be used for:
- Games consoles
- Arts and crafts materials
- Computer equipment
- Furniture for youth spaces
- Camping trips
- Outreach activities
- Staff costs
- Youth work training
- Mental Health First Aid training
- Equipment and activity resources
Projects should help create welcoming and supportive environments for young people.
Focus on Youth Participation
The programme strongly encourages:
- Youth consultation
- Youth-led planning
- Young people’s involvement in decision-making
The Norfolk Youth Parliament will also contribute to grant decision-making to ensure youth voices remain central to the programme.
Who Can Apply?
The fund is open to small community and voluntary organisations in Norfolk.
Eligible applicants include:
- Voluntary clubs and groups
- Registered charities
- Social enterprises
- Faith organisations
- Parish councils
- Town councils
- Community organisations
Financial Eligibility
Applicant organizations must have:
- Annual income below £350,000
Organizations should also demonstrate experience or commitment to supporting young people.
Priority Areas
The fund prioritises projects that:
- Improve youth wellbeing
- Increase community participation
- Support vulnerable young people
- Enhance mental health awareness
- Build life skills and confidence
- Create safe youth spaces
- Strengthen inclusion and accessibility
Projects that actively engage young people in planning are particularly encouraged.
What the Fund Does Not Support
The programme does not fund:
- Building refurbishment projects
- Vehicle repairs
- Sports team uniforms
- Fundraising activities
- Loan repayments
- Retrospective costs
- Political activities
- Religious campaigning projects
Applications outside the programme scope are unlikely to be funded.
Why the Programme Matters
Young people often face barriers related to:
- Mental health
- Social isolation
- Limited recreational opportunities
- Lack of safe community spaces
- Reduced access to supportive activities
The Momentum Youth Fund helps community organizations provide:
- Safe and inclusive environments
- Positive youth engagement opportunities
- Wellbeing support
- Skills development activities
- Accessible community programmes
The initiative also strengthens local youth support networks across Norfolk.
How the Fund Works
The programme provides small grants to eligible organizations delivering youth-focused activities.
Application Process
- Identify a youth-focused community need
- Consult with young people where possible
- Develop a small project or activity plan
- Prepare a funding application
- Submit supporting organizational information
- Await funding decision
Applications should clearly explain how the project benefits local young people.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Demonstrate clear youth benefits
- Show involvement of young people in planning
- Present realistic project budgets
- Explain community impact
- Focus on inclusion and accessibility
- Highlight safeguarding and wellbeing approaches
Strong applications usually include:
- Youth consultation evidence
- Practical activity plans
- Clear outcomes
- Community need explanation
- Sustainable impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Momentum Youth Fund?
It is a small grants programme supporting community activities and projects for young people in Norfolk.
How much funding is available?
Organizations can apply for grants of up to £750.
Who can benefit from funded projects?
Projects should benefit young people aged 11–19, or up to 25 for those with SEND.
What types of organizations can apply?
Small charities, voluntary groups, social enterprises, faith organizations, councils, and community groups may apply.
Can funding support equipment purchases?
Yes, equipment such as computers, furniture, games consoles, and arts materials may be funded.
Does the fund support staff training?
Yes, youth work training and Mental Health First Aid training are eligible.
What activities are not funded?
The fund does not support refurbishment projects, political or religious campaigning, loan repayments, or retrospective costs.
Conclusion
The Momentum Youth Fund supports small community organisations in Norfolk working to improve opportunities, wellbeing, and engagement for young people. Through grants of up to £750, the programme helps grassroots groups deliver meaningful youth activities, mental health support, outreach work, training, and inclusive community programmes.
By prioritising youth participation and community-led approaches, the initiative aims to create positive and lasting experiences for young people across Norfolk.
For more information, visit Norfolk Community Foundation.