Deadline: 01-Jun-2026
The 23 Foundation Grant Programme provides funding to support young people through sport, education, skills development, and community initiatives. It targets youth disadvantage, poverty, and social exclusion, with a strong focus on summer holiday projects and food support. Grants of up to £2,500 are available for organisations operating in Sefton, Everton, and Anfield.
The 23 Foundation Grant Programme – Structured Guide
The 23 Foundation Grant Programme is a youth-focused funding initiative established to improve life outcomes for young people through structured support in sport, education, and community development.
It prioritises initiatives that reduce disadvantage and create meaningful opportunities for children and young people in vulnerable communities.
Purpose and Core Objectives
The programme is designed to address social inequality and improve long-term outcomes for young people.
Core Objectives
- Reduce youth disadvantage and social exclusion
- Improve education and employability outcomes
- Support skills development and training opportunities
- Promote youth engagement through sport and structured activities
- Improve physical and mental health outcomes
- Support food security and reduce financial pressure on families
- Address homelessness and poverty-related challenges
Foundation Background
The 23 Foundation was established in 2009.
Key Facts
- Founded by Jamie Carragher (associated with Liverpool FC)
- Developed in partnership with the Community Foundation for Merseyside
- Funded through a charitable testimonial match and matched government funding
- Mission: Support young people through structured opportunities and positive engagement
Geographic Scope
The programme is geographically restricted.
Eligible Areas
- Sefton
- Everton
- Anfield
Only organisations delivering services within these areas are eligible.
Funding Overview
Grant Value
- Maximum funding: £2,500 per project
Funding Purpose
- Youth development programmes
- Sport and education initiatives
- Community support services
- Food and welfare support activities
Priority Areas (Summer 2026 Focus)
For summer 2026, the fund prioritises holiday-based youth projects.
Key Priorities
- Summer holiday youth engagement programmes
- Sport-based youth activities
- Education and learning initiatives
- Food provision within project delivery
- Support for vulnerable families during school holidays
Additional Requirement
- Projects must include food provision to reduce financial pressure on families
Eligible Projects
The fund supports practical, community-based youth initiatives.
Funded Activities
- Youth club equipment and resources
- Sports coaching sessions
- Training and skills development programmes
- Mentoring and personal development initiatives
- Holiday activity programmes
- Food banks and food support services
- Homelessness support initiatives
- Living condition improvement projects
Value-Add Requirement
If organisations receive other funding, they must demonstrate additional impact.
Requirement
- Clearly explain how the 23 Foundation Grant adds value
- Avoid duplication of existing funded activities
- Show measurable additional benefit to young people
Eligible Organisations
Eligible Applicants
- Registered non-profit organisations
- Community and voluntary sector groups
- Youth-focused organisations operating in eligible areas
- Organisations with strong governance structures
Key Requirement
- Must demonstrate ability to deliver youth-focused services effectively
Employment and Ethical Expectations
The programme encourages fair employment practices.
Key Standard
- Staff should be paid at least the Real Living Wage
Ineligible Activities and Organisations
Certain applicants and project types are excluded.
Ineligible Organisations
- Statutory bodies or government agencies
- Commercial or profit-driven organisations
- Organisations without proper governance structures
Ineligible Activities
- Projects already completed before funding approval
- Political or party-affiliated activities
- Exclusively religious activities
- Animal- or plant-only projects
- Personal profit initiatives
- Debt repayment or financial liabilities
- Recoverable VAT costs
- International travel
- Vehicle-related costs
- Pure entertainment-only activities
Why the Programme Matters
The 23 Foundation Grant Programme plays a key role in supporting vulnerable young people.
Key Importance
- Reduces youth inequality in disadvantaged areas
- Improves access to education and skills development
- Supports health and wellbeing through structured activities
- Provides essential food support during financial hardship
- Strengthens community engagement and resilience
- Prevents social exclusion and long-term disadvantage
Long-Term Impact
- Improved youth employment and education outcomes
- Reduced poverty-related risks among families
- Stronger community support networks
- Increased youth participation in positive activities
How the Grant Works
Application Process Flow
- Organisation designs youth-focused project
- Application submitted within eligible geographic area
- Proposal assessed against funding priorities
- Review of budget, impact, and governance
- Funding decision made
- Approved projects delivered within funded period
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying outside eligible areas (Sefton, Everton, Anfield)
- Missing food provision requirement for summer 2026 projects
- Weak alignment with youth development objectives
- Lack of governance or delivery structure
- Including ineligible costs (vehicles, debt, VAT)
- Failing to demonstrate added value with other funding sources
Best Practices for Applicants
- Focus strongly on youth outcomes and measurable impact
- Include clear food provision plans for summer projects
- Align activities with sport and education priorities
- Demonstrate strong safeguarding and governance systems
- Clearly define added value if co-funded
- Keep budgets realistic and transparent
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the 23 Foundation Grant Programme?
It is a funding programme supporting youth development through sport, education, and community initiatives.
Who can apply?
Non-profit organisations and community groups delivering youth-focused services in Sefton, Everton, or Anfield.
What is the maximum funding available?
Grants of up to £2,500 per project are available.
What types of projects are funded?
Sport activities, education programmes, youth clubs, mentoring, food support, and homelessness-related initiatives.
Is food provision required?
Yes. For summer 2026 projects, food provision must be included in budgets.
What are the main exclusions?
Vehicle costs, debt, political or religious exclusivity, entertainment-only activities, and commercial projects are not eligible.
Can organisations with other funding apply?
Yes, but they must show how this grant provides additional value.
Conclusion
The 23 Foundation Grant Programme is a targeted youth development fund focused on reducing disadvantage in Sefton, Everton, and Anfield. By supporting sport, education, food provision, and community initiatives, it helps improve life outcomes for young people while strengthening local community resilience and opportunity structures.
For more information, visit Community Foundation for Merseyside.