Deadline: 22-Oct-2025
The Million Hours Fund supports organisations in providing extra youth work hours for young people in areas with higher rates of anti-social behaviour. The aim is to create more safe spaces and positive activities for young people, reducing risks and promoting better engagement. This is the third phase of the fund, financed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and The National Lottery Community Fund. Projects must take place in, or benefit young people from, eligible ward areas in England.
To apply, projects must benefit young people aged 10 to 18, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). They must effectively engage those at risk of anti-social behaviour, offer more youth work hours than currently provided, involve young people in decision-making, provide open access for a diverse range of participants, and be led by trusted adults such as qualified youth workers, youth support staff, or experienced volunteers. The extra hours should help improve young people’s emotional wellbeing, life skills, feelings of safety, and access to trusted adult relationships.
Funding ranges from £30,000 to £100,000 and is available for organisations with strong local connections and knowledge of what young people need. Applicants should have established networks with other youth-support organisations. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee, charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies, registered co-operatives or community benefit societies, schools, and statutory bodies such as local authorities or parish councils. Partnerships are allowed if all partners are eligible, with one lead organisation managing the grant.
Ineligible applicants include unincorporated organisations, individuals, organisations outside England, profit-making entities without proper asset locks, and groups not working with young people from eligible areas. Applications from one organisation on behalf of another, or those aiming to distribute profits to private individuals, are also not accepted.
For more information, visit The National Lottery Community Fund.