Deadline: 28-May-2026
The NextGen Fund is a community grant programme designed to support small grassroots organisations in Greater Manchester. It enables locally led groups to deliver projects that improve opportunities for young people. The fund prioritizes community-driven solutions that strengthen education, skills, and social mobility.
Purpose and Objectives
The main objective is to improve social mobility for young people across Greater Manchester. The programme aims to expand access to education, skills development, and meaningful local opportunities. It also supports community organisations in strengthening their role in youth development.
Key Focus Areas
The fund focuses on social mobility, education, skills development, and youth opportunity creation. It supports initiatives that help young people build skills and access better life outcomes. All funded activities must clearly contribute to improving youth prospects in local communities.
Geographic Scope
The programme is available across the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester. Eligible organisations must be based within this region. The fund is designed to strengthen local impact within each borough through grassroots action.
Funding Information
The maximum funding available per application is £1,000. The grant is intended for small-scale, community-led projects. Funding supports direct activities that benefit young people and strengthen local engagement.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include grassroots community organisations based in Greater Manchester. These organisations must be small, locally controlled, and self-managed. They should also encourage volunteer participation and maintain strong community involvement.
Organisational Characteristics
The fund prioritizes organisations that are deeply embedded in their local communities. These groups are typically volunteer-led and operate at a neighbourhood level. They are expected to work closely with young people and local stakeholders.
Eligible Activities
Applicants can propose a wide range of activities as long as they support youth development. This includes education initiatives, skills training, mentoring, and community engagement programmes. All activities must clearly link to improved outcomes for young people.
Project Expectations
Applicants must clearly explain how their project will improve social mobility. Proposals should demonstrate how activities support education, skills development, or employment readiness. Strong community relevance and youth impact are essential.
Community Impact
The programme is designed to strengthen local communities by investing in youth potential. It helps young people access opportunities that improve long-term life outcomes. It also builds capacity within grassroots organisations to deliver meaningful support.
Why This Programme Matters
The NextGen Fund supports early intervention and local action to improve youth outcomes. It strengthens social mobility by enabling small organisations to deliver targeted community support. The programme ensures that funding reaches grassroots groups closest to local needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applications may be weaker if they lack a clear connection to youth outcomes. Proposals that do not explain social mobility impact may be less competitive. Overly broad or unfocused activities without clear local benefit may also reduce success chances.
Tips for a Strong Application
Strong applications clearly show how activities improve education, skills, or opportunities for young people. They should demonstrate strong local community involvement and volunteer engagement. Clear evidence of social mobility impact significantly strengthens proposals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the NextGen Fund?
It is a grant programme supporting grassroots organisations to improve youth opportunities in Greater Manchester. - How much funding is available?
Up to £1,000 per application. - Who can apply?
Grassroots, locally controlled community organisations based in Greater Manchester. - What is the main goal of the fund?
To improve social mobility for young people. - What activities are eligible?
Education, skills development, mentoring, and youth-focused community projects. - Where does the fund operate?
Across the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester. - Who benefits from the fund?
Young people in local communities across Greater Manchester.
Conclusion
The NextGen Fund empowers grassroots organisations in Greater Manchester to improve youth outcomes through education, skills development, and opportunity-building initiatives. By supporting small, community-led projects, it strengthens social mobility and local engagement. The programme ensures that young people benefit directly from targeted, locally delivered support.
For more information, visit Forever Manchester.