Deadline: 16-Jun-25
The Co-op Foundation is accepting applications for its Future Communities Fund to focus on supporting organisations that are helping young people with experience of the justice system to re-build their lives and settle back into their communities.
Future Communities Fund Round 2 will also focus on a further strategic priority ‘safer communities’. This is because young people who shaped their Future Communities Vision championed a world where everyone can feel safe and respected – and where young people feel welcomed even when they have made mistakes.
Aims
- In line with their strategic priorities, Future Communities Fund Round 2 is aimed at organisations:
- Whose main purpose is to help young people transition away from the justice system, to re-engage with their communities.
- Which are diverse, equitable and inclusive.
- That prioritise youth activism, shared power and transparent governance.
Funding Information
- They’re looking to fund approximately ten organisations through this £1.75m programme round.
- Grants will be up to a total of £150,000 over five years and will be awarded on an unrestricted basis.
Fund Criteria
- In order to be successful, organisations should be able to demonstrate that they:
- Support young people to navigate the social stigma which can be associated for those with experience of the justice system
- Have strong, existing relationships with referral agencies to ensure a smooth transition out of the justice system
- Have experience of developing routes for young people transitioning from the justice system into training and employment
- Have experience of supporting young people to develop skills that help them feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives
- Value lived experience and have justice experienced young people involved in their governance and/or service delivery
- Have experience of building flexible, consistent, positive relationships with young people
Eligibility Criteria
- As part of this round, they’re looking to fund organisations which:
- Have a significant focus on supporting justice-experienced young people aged 10-25 to re-engage with their community
- Have an annual income of £250,000 or less
- Are not-for-profit organisations, who operate exclusively in the United Kingdom
- Have two or more unrelated directors or trustees on the Board
For more information, visit Co-op Foundation.