Outlook Fund for Looked After Children and Young People (United Kingdom)

The Outlook Fund provides grants to non-profit organisations supporting children and young people with experience of the care system by improving wellbeing, confidence, skills, opportunities, and future outcomes. The fund supports projects that help looked after children participate in activities, develop resilience, access new opportunities, and assist families at risk of entering the care system.

Overview of the Outlook Fund

The Outlook Fund provides financial support to organisations working to improve the lives of children and young people affected by the care system.

The fund focuses on reducing systemic barriers faced by looked after children and young people by supporting projects that improve emotional wellbeing, build confidence, increase participation, and create pathways to better opportunities.

It also supports preventative initiatives that help families facing challenges and reduce the likelihood of children entering the care system.

Purpose of the Outlook Fund

The main aim of the fund is to support projects that create positive outcomes for vulnerable children, young people, and families.

The fund supports initiatives that:

• Improve wellbeing and life opportunities.
• Build confidence and resilience.
• Encourage participation in community activities.
• Develop skills, qualifications, and personal strengths.
• Support healthier lifestyles.
• Strengthen families and relationships.
• Reduce barriers experienced by children in care.

Key Funding Priorities

The Outlook Fund supports projects under two main areas:

Supporting Looked After Children and Young People

Projects can support children and young people who are already in the care system by helping them:

• Participate in activities and community programmes.
• Improve confidence and emotional wellbeing.
• Access new experiences and opportunities.
• Develop practical and social skills.
• Gain qualifications and learning opportunities.
• Explore hobbies and interests.
• Engage in sports, arts, music, and creative activities.
• Participate in volunteering opportunities.

Preventing Children from Entering the Care System

The fund also supports projects that strengthen families and reduce the risk of children entering care.

Supported activities may include:

• Strengthening family relationships.
• Improving attachment and behaviour support.
• Building resilience among children and families.
• Supporting families during crisis situations.
• Assisting kinship care families.
• Providing early intervention support.

Funding Amount

The Outlook Fund provides financial support based on project duration.

One-Year Projects

Average grant amount:

• £4,000

Multi-Year Projects

Projects lasting up to three years may apply for:

• Up to £12,000 total funding

Funding for multi-year projects is provided through annual instalments and depends on satisfactory progress reporting.

Who Is Eligible?

Applications are open to:

• Non-profit organisations.
• Charitable organisations.
• Community organisations delivering projects aligned with the fund’s objectives.

Eligible organisations must demonstrate that their project provides meaningful support to:

• Looked after children and young people.
• Young people with experience of the care system.
• Families at risk of entering the care system.

Who Are the Main Beneficiaries?

The fund primarily supports children and young people who are already looked after by a local authority.

This includes:

• Children living in children’s homes.
• Children placed with foster carers.
• Young people living in residential settings.
• Children in specialist educational or secure settings.
• Children living with relatives or other family members.
• Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children recognised as looked after children.

Why the Outlook Fund Matters

Children and young people involved with the care system often face additional challenges that can affect education, wellbeing, relationships, and future opportunities.

The Outlook Fund helps organisations address these challenges by supporting programmes that:

• Increase access to positive experiences.
• Improve emotional and social development.
• Encourage inclusion and participation.
• Create opportunities for personal growth.
• Strengthen support networks around vulnerable children.

The fund also contributes to early intervention by supporting families before challenges become more severe.

How the Grant Works

The funding process generally includes the following steps:

Step 1: Develop a Suitable Project

Organisations should design projects that clearly address the needs of:

• Looked after children.
• Young people with care experience.
• Families requiring additional support.

Step 2: Define Project Outcomes

Applicants should explain how their project will improve:

• Wellbeing.
• Confidence.
• Skills.
• Participation.
• Future opportunities.

Step 3: Prepare a Funding Application

Applications should include:

• Organisation details.
• Project description.
• Target beneficiaries.
• Expected outcomes.
• Project budget.
• Implementation timeline.

Step 4: Deliver and Report

Successful organisations must use funding for approved activities and provide progress updates where required.

Multi-year projects must submit satisfactory progress reports before receiving future instalments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects without a clear connection to children in care or vulnerable families.
• Failing to explain how beneficiaries will benefit.
• Providing unclear project outcomes.
• Requesting funding for activities outside the fund’s priorities.
• Not including realistic budgets and timelines.

Tips for Strong Applications

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

• Clearly explaining the challenges faced by children and young people.
• Demonstrating measurable community impact.
• Showing how activities improve wellbeing and opportunities.
• Highlighting partnerships and community involvement.
• Providing realistic plans for project delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Outlook Fund?

The Outlook Fund provides grants to non-profit organisations supporting children and young people affected by the care system and families at risk of entering care.

Who can apply for the Outlook Fund?

Non-profit organisations and charities delivering projects that support looked after children, young people with care experience, or vulnerable families can apply.

How much funding can organisations receive?

The average grant for a one-year project is £4,000. Projects lasting up to three years can receive up to £12,000 in total.

What types of projects are supported?

The fund supports projects involving wellbeing, confidence building, skills development, education, sports, arts, music, volunteering, family support, and early intervention.

Who are considered looked after children?

Looked after children include those living in foster care, children’s homes, residential settings, with relatives, or other approved care arrangements.

Does the fund support prevention projects?

Yes. The fund supports projects that strengthen families, build resilience, and reduce the risk of children entering the care system.

Are individuals eligible to apply?

No. Applications are open to eligible non-profit organisations delivering relevant projects.

Conclusion

The Outlook Fund supports organisations working to improve the lives of children and young people affected by the care system. By funding projects that build confidence, wellbeing, skills, resilience, and opportunities, the fund helps vulnerable children overcome barriers and achieve better future outcomes while also strengthening support for families in need.