CFPs: Lead the Change Youth Leadership Programme (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 29-Apr-2026

Lead the Change provides £123,353 to youth-focused organisations in Northern Ireland, enabling young people to lead projects that foster community connection, inclusivity, and skills development. The grant prioritizes initiatives addressing xenophobia, racism, and Islamophobia, promoting safe spaces and youth leadership.

Program Overview

Lead the Change invests in young people’s leadership and community engagement. The program supports youth-led initiatives that:

• Strengthen relationships across communities

• Promote understanding, inclusion, and a sense of belonging

• Enable youth to take active roles in shaping their communities

• Build skills for navigating online information and shaping positive narratives

The program focuses on young people most affected by xenophobia, racism, and Islamophobia, aiming to create safer, more connected, and resilient communities.

Funding Details

• Grant Size: £123,353 per organisation

• Number of Grants: One grant specifically allocated for Northern Ireland

• Eligible Organisations: Registered not-for-profit organisations trusted by young people and embedded in local communities

Eligibility Criteria

• Annual turnover of no more than £2 million, except for domestic abuse refuges or hospices

• Based in and delivering work in Belfast, Northern Ireland

• Serve children and young people aged 18 years and under

• Put young people’s voices and experiences at the centre of all activities

• Demonstrate strong safeguarding and trauma-informed practices

• Minimum of three unrelated board or governing body members

What the Grant Supports

Lead the Change funds projects that:

• Promote youth leadership and voice

• Build safe spaces and inclusive environments

• Strengthen community connections and relationships

• Enable youth to design and lead their own projects

• Develop skills to navigate online information and create positive narratives

What the Grant Does Not Support

• Organisations or activities promoting causes contrary to the grant’s purpose, including:

  • Armaments

  • Alcohol

  • Human rights abuses

  • Tobacco

  • Pornography

Expected Outcomes

• Empowered young people leading meaningful community projects

• Improved community cohesion and resilience

• Increased understanding and action against xenophobia, racism, and Islamophobia

• Strengthened youth skills, confidence, and leadership capacity

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility as a not-for-profit organisation serving young people in Belfast.

2. Develop a youth-led project that aligns with program priorities.

3. Demonstrate safeguarding, trauma-informed practices, and youth voice integration.

4. Submit a detailed application including project objectives, activities, expected outcomes, and budget.

5. Ensure alignment with community foundation investment policies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects not led by or directly involving youth

• Ignoring safeguarding or trauma-informed practice requirements

• Proposing initiatives outside Belfast or unrelated to program focus areas

• Applying with organisations exceeding the £2 million turnover threshold without exception

• Including activities contrary to the grant’s purpose

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible? Registered not-for-profit organisations serving children and young people aged 18 and under in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
2. How much funding is available? £123,353 for a single organisation in Northern Ireland.
3. What activities are supported? Youth leadership projects, safe spaces, community engagement, skills development, and initiatives addressing racism, xenophobia, or Islamophobia.
4. Are international organisations eligible? No, only organisations delivering work locally in Belfast.
5. Is youth participation mandatory? Yes, projects must centre young people’s voices and experiences.
6. Can the grant fund activities promoting alcohol or tobacco? No, these are excluded under the Community Foundation’s investment policy.
7. Are domestic abuse refuges or hospices eligible? Yes, they are exempt from the £2 million turnover limit.

Conclusion

The Lead the Change Grant empowers young people in Belfast to lead, learn, and positively impact their communities, fostering inclusion, resilience, and social cohesion. Through youth-led projects, the program strengthens local communities and equips the next generation with the skills and confidence to create lasting change.

For more information, visit Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.