Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Young and Talented Fund is a targeted financial support programme designed to help young people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly develop their abilities in sports and the arts. It focuses on individuals who show clear talent but are prevented from progressing due to financial hardship or disability-related barriers.
The fund ensures that emerging talent can access essential resources needed for training, competition, and artistic development. It recognises that financial constraints often limit opportunity, and it aims to reduce inequality in talent development pathways.
Purpose and Objectives
The main purpose of the fund is to remove financial barriers that prevent young people from reaching their full potential in sports and creative disciplines. It prioritises equal access to development opportunities regardless of economic background or physical ability.
Key objectives include supporting talented individuals in structured development pathways, reducing inequality in access to training and resources, enabling participation in competitions and events, and ensuring that disability or financial hardship does not restrict progression in chosen fields.
The fund also aims to encourage long-term personal development by helping young people continue their training and artistic or sporting education.
What the Fund Covers
The funding is designed to support direct, essential costs related to talent development. It does not cover general living expenses or unrelated costs.
Eligible expenses include:
- Specialist equipment required for sport or artistic practice
- Competition or event entry fees
- Travel costs for training, competitions, or performances
- Accommodation costs related to events or training
- Training or coaching expenses
- Specialist clothing or uniforms required for participation
- Other essential costs directly linked to talent development
Costs must be clearly linked to the applicant’s development in their chosen discipline.
Funding Amount
The grant provides financial support ranging from £500 to £2,000 per applicant. The exact amount awarded depends on individual need, the nature of the talent activity, and the specific costs outlined in the application.
The fund does not support:
- Retrospective costs (already paid expenses)
- Costs unrelated to talent development
- General household or personal living expenses
- Indirect or non-essential expenditures
Who Is Eligible
Eligibility is restricted to young people who meet specific criteria related to age, location, talent, and financial need.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be aged between 14 and 23 years
- Be residents of Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly
- Demonstrate clear talent in sports or the arts
- Show financial hardship or disability-related barriers
- Provide evidence that funding is required to continue progression
Priority is given to applicants who:
- Experience economic disadvantage
- Face additional barriers due to disability
- Show strong potential for development in their field
How the Fund Works
The application process is designed to identify both talent and financial need, ensuring that support is targeted effectively.
Step 1: Eligibility Check
Applicants confirm they meet age, residency, and talent requirements.
Step 2: Evidence of Talent
Applicants provide evidence such as performance records, coach or tutor references, or competition history.
Step 3: Financial Need Assessment
Applicants demonstrate how financial barriers are limiting their progression in their sport or art form.
Step 4: Cost Breakdown
Applicants submit a detailed breakdown of required costs such as equipment, training, or travel.
Step 5: Review and Decision
Applications are assessed based on talent level, financial need, and expected impact of funding.
Step 6: Award and Use of Funds
Approved applicants receive funding to support approved expenses directly linked to their development.
Why the Fund Matters
The Young and Talented Fund plays an important role in ensuring equal access to development opportunities in sports and the arts. It helps remove financial inequality that often prevents talented individuals from progressing.
The fund supports social inclusion by prioritising disadvantaged and disabled young people. It also strengthens local talent development by enabling consistent access to training, competitions, and artistic opportunities that might otherwise be unaffordable.
By focusing on ability rather than financial background, the fund helps ensure that potential is not lost due to economic barriers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants often reduce their chances of success due to avoidable errors.
Common mistakes include:
- Requesting funding for costs already paid
- Submitting unclear or unsupported evidence of talent
- Failing to demonstrate financial need
- Including costs not directly related to talent development
- Providing incomplete breakdowns of expenses
- Weak or missing references from coaches or mentors
- Applying without showing clear progression in their field
Tips for a Strong Application
A strong application clearly demonstrates both talent and need.
Key tips include:
- Provide strong evidence of achievement (awards, results, performances)
- Include detailed and realistic cost breakdowns
- Explain clearly how funding will improve progression
- Provide supporting letters from coaches, teachers, or mentors
- Show consistent involvement in your sport or art form
- Link every expense directly to development goals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main purpose of the Young and Talented Fund?
- To support young people in developing their talent in sports and the arts
- To remove financial barriers that limit progression
- To promote equal access to opportunities regardless of background
Who can apply for the fund?
- Young people aged 14–23
- Residents of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
- Individuals showing talent in sports or the arts
- Applicants facing financial hardship or disability-related barriers
How much funding is available?
- Minimum grant: £500
- Maximum grant: £2,000
- Amount depends on need and proposed costs
What costs are eligible for funding?
- Equipment and training tools
- Competition or event fees
- Travel and accommodation
- Coaching and training costs
- Specialist clothing or uniforms
What costs are not covered?
- Retrospective expenses
- General living costs
- Costs unrelated to talent development
- Indirect or non-essential expenses
How is talent assessed?
- Through performance records and achievements
- Coach, teacher, or mentor recommendations
- Evidence of competitions or exhibitions
- Demonstrated progression in their field
Why is financial need important in selection?
- The fund prioritises applicants whose talent is limited by financial barriers
- It ensures support reaches those who would otherwise be unable to progress
- It focuses on fairness and equal opportunity in talent development
Conclusion
The Young and Talented Fund provides targeted financial support to help gifted young people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly overcome financial and disability-related barriers. By funding essential training, equipment, and participation costs, it ensures that talent development is driven by ability and potential rather than economic circumstances.
For more information, visit Cornwall Community Foundation.