Triangle Trust Grants for Young Women and Girls (UK)

The Triangle Trust provides funding to UK-based not-for-profit organisations supporting young women and girls who are involved in or at risk of entering the criminal justice system. It prioritises organisations with strong expertise in working with vulnerable, hard-to-reach groups and those led by women and girls. Grants of up to £100,000 are available for 18–36 month projects, with a structured multi-stage application process.

Triangle Trust Funding Programme – Structured Guide

The Triangle Trust is a grant-making programme focused on reducing female youth involvement in the criminal justice system. It supports organisations delivering targeted interventions, prevention work, and rehabilitation-focused services for young women and girls.

The programme is built around a Theory of Change that emphasises long-term behavioural and social outcomes.

Purpose and Core Objectives

The fund is designed to address systemic challenges affecting vulnerable young women and girls.

Core Objectives

• Prevent entry into the criminal justice system
• Support rehabilitation and reintegration of affected individuals
• Strengthen organisations working with vulnerable young women and girls
• Promote gender-responsive support services
• Improve long-term life outcomes for at-risk youth
• Build capacity in specialist voluntary organisations

Key Focus Areas

The funding prioritises targeted, evidence-based interventions.

1. Criminal Justice Prevention and Intervention

• Support for girls at high risk of offending
• Early intervention programmes
• Rehabilitation and diversion initiatives
• Support for justice-involved young women

2. Women and Girls-Led Organisations

• Strengthening organisations led by women and girls
• Supporting gender-responsive leadership structures
• Funding specialist services for female youth populations

3. Vulnerable and Hard-to-Reach Youth Work

• Engagement with high-risk young people
• Outreach-based support programmes
• Trauma-informed and specialist interventions
• Services for disengaged or marginalised youth

Funding Overview

Grant Value

• Up to £100,000 total per project
• Maximum £50,000 per year
• Project duration: 18 to 36 months

Funding Principle

• Funding must be proportionate to project scale, scope, and impact

Application Process (Three-Stage Model)

The Triangle Trust uses a structured evaluation process.

Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

• Short initial application
• Assesses alignment with funding priorities and Theory of Change
• Determines eligibility for full application

Stage 2: Full Application

• Invited applicants submit detailed online application
• Includes project design, outcomes, and budget

Stage 3: Assessment Visit

• Selected applicants host a visit from the Fund Director
• Evaluates organisational capability and project feasibility
• Final assessment of impact alignment and delivery strength

Eligibility Criteria

The fund targets experienced, UK-based organisations.

Eligible Organisations

• Not-for-profit organisations
• Community and voluntary sector organisations
• Organisations with proven track record in youth justice-related work
• Specialist service providers for vulnerable young women and girls

Geographic Eligibility

• Must be based in the United Kingdom
• Must have a registered UK office
• Applications accepted nationwide

Regional Priority

Priority is given to organisations operating in:

• Northern Ireland
• Scotland
• Wales

Priority in 2026

For the 2026 funding cycle:

Priority Organisations

• Women and girls-led organisations
• Organisations with specialist expertise in criminal justice-related youth work
• Providers with strong experience supporting vulnerable female youth

Key Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

Evaluation Factors

• Alignment with Theory of Change
• Demonstrated impact on target group
• Organisational expertise and track record
• Strength of project design and delivery model
• Sustainability and long-term outcomes
• Ability to engage hard-to-reach young women and girls

Why the Triangle Trust Matters

This programme addresses critical gaps in gender-specific criminal justice support.

Key Importance

• Reduces female youth offending rates
• Provides targeted early intervention support
• Strengthens specialist service provision
• Supports trauma-informed and gender-responsive approaches
• Improves long-term social reintegration outcomes

Long-Term Impact

• Lower reoffending and justice system entry rates
• Improved life outcomes for vulnerable young women
• Stronger specialist organisational capacity
• More equitable access to justice prevention services

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak alignment with criminal justice prevention focus
• Lack of experience working with target group
• Insufficient evidence of organisational track record
• Underdeveloped Theory of Change alignment
• Poorly structured multi-year project planning
• Ignoring requirement for assessment visit stage

Best Practices for Applicants

• Clearly demonstrate experience with vulnerable young women and girls
• Align project design with Theory of Change principles
• Provide strong evidence of impact and outcomes
• Ensure trauma-informed and gender-responsive approaches
• Build realistic 18–36 month delivery plans
• Strengthen organisational credibility and governance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Triangle Trust?

It is a UK grant programme supporting organisations working with young women and girls at risk of or involved in the criminal justice system.

What is the maximum funding available?

Up to £100,000 over 18–36 months, with a maximum of £50,000 per year.

Who can apply?

UK-based not-for-profit organisations with a registered office and relevant experience in youth justice or vulnerable youth support.

What is the application process?

A three-stage process: Expression of Interest, full application, and assessment visit.

Which organisations are prioritised?

Women and girls-led organisations and those with strong expertise in criminal justice-related youth work.

Are all UK regions eligible?

Yes, but organisations in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are particularly encouraged.

What types of projects are funded?

Prevention, intervention, rehabilitation, and specialist support programmes for young women and girls.

Conclusion

The Triangle Trust is a specialist funding programme focused on reducing female youth involvement in the criminal justice system. Through multi-year grants, a structured assessment process, and a strong emphasis on gender-responsive and evidence-based approaches, it supports organisations delivering high-impact interventions for vulnerable young women and girls across the UK.