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Pathways to Independence: Care Leavers Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 16-Mar-2026

The Pathways to Independence: Care Leavers Fund offers grants of up to £8,000 to support young people aged 18–25 leaving care in Northamptonshire. The fund prioritizes mentorship, life skills, mental health, education, employment, digital inclusion, and empowerment, helping care leavers transition successfully into independent living.

Overview of the Fund

The Pathways to Independence: Care Leavers Fund is designed to support small, locally managed organisations in Northamptonshire that deliver life-changing services for young people leaving care. Funding focuses on holistic interventions that enhance independence, resilience, and opportunities for young adults aged 18–25.

Key Priorities of the Fund:

  • Mentorship: Weekly one-to-one support with qualified mentors and youth workers to build trusting relationships.

  • Life Skills & Financial Management: Training in housing, cooking, cleaning, laundry, first aid, basic home repairs, budgeting, bank management, paying bills, and navigating benefits.

  • Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing: Access to counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed support, and structured positive activities.

  • Education, Employment & Training: Career coaching, employability workshops, work placements, transport assistance, and support with interview clothing.

  • Digital Inclusion: Providing laptops and essential digital tools.

  • Empowerment & Voice: Involving care leavers in co-design and feedback to shape the services that affect them.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Small, locally managed VCSE organisations, such as:

    • Registered charities

    • Constituted community groups

    • Social enterprises like Community Interest Companies (CICs)

    • Companies limited by guarantee with charitable aims

  • Organisations must be based in Northamptonshire.

  • Required policies and documents:

    • Written rules or constitution with a dissolution clause

    • Safeguarding policies (where relevant)

    • Equalities policy

  • Social enterprises with a person with significant control (PSC) are generally ineligible.

Funding Details

  • Grant Amount: Up to £8,000 per project.

  • Eligible Costs:

    • Staff costs: Salaries, training, and staff time.

    • Volunteer costs: Reimbursement for travel, meals, or phone calls.

    • Activity costs: Resources needed to run programmes and services.

    • Overheads: Venue, office expenses, and insurance.

Why It Matters

Young people leaving care face multiple challenges transitioning to independent living. This fund:

  • Provides mentorship and emotional support to build confidence.

  • Teaches essential life and financial skills for independent living.

  • Supports mental health and wellbeing through professional services.

  • Enhances education, employment, and training opportunities.

  • Promotes digital access to reduce inequality.

  • Amplifies care leavers’ voices in shaping services.

How to Apply / What to Do

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

  • Ensure your organisation is a small VCSE group based in Northamptonshire.

  • Check that required policies and constitution are in place.

Step 2: Define Your Project

  • Align your project with one or more of the fund priorities: mentorship, life skills, mental health, education/employment, digital inclusion, empowerment.

  • Identify measurable outcomes to demonstrate impact.

Step 3: Prepare Application Documents

  • Project proposal including objectives and timeline.

  • Detailed budget plan covering staff, volunteers, activity costs, and overheads.

  • Proof of legal status and constitution.

  • Relevant policies (safeguarding, equalities).

Step 4: Submit Application

  • Submit directly to the fund administrators following the application guidelines.

  • Ensure all supporting documents are complete and correctly formatted.

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Provide clear evidence of impact and measurable outcomes.

  • Show how care leavers are involved in project design or decision-making.

  • Include detailed budget and justification for each cost.

  • Highlight innovative approaches or replication potential.

  • Demonstrate sustainability and alignment with fund priorities.

FAQ

1. Who can receive funding?

  • Small, locally managed VCSE organisations in Northamptonshire, including charities, community groups, and CICs.

2. What age group is targeted by the fund?

  • Young people aged 18 to 25 who are leaving care.

3. How much funding is available per project?

  • Grants of up to £8,000.

4. Can funding cover volunteer expenses?

  • Yes, including travel, meals, and phone costs related to project delivery.

5. What types of projects are eligible?

  • Projects that support mentorship, life skills, mental health, education, employment, digital inclusion, and empowerment.

6. Are social enterprises with a PSC eligible?

  • Generally no, unless they meet other criteria and are approved.

7. What documents are required?

  • Written constitution, safeguarding and equalities policies, proof of registration, project proposal, and budget breakdown.

Conclusion

The Pathways to Independence: Care Leavers Fund empowers small organisations in Northamptonshire to deliver life-changing support for young people transitioning from care. By funding mentorship, life skills, mental health support, education, and digital inclusion, the fund ensures that care leavers gain the confidence, skills, and opportunities to thrive independently.

For more information, visit Northamptonshire Community Foundation.