Deadline: 22-Apr-26
Lead the Change is a three-year youth empowerment programme in Leeds that funds one not-for-profit organisation with £123,353 to support youth-led community connection, leadership, and digital literacy. Delivered by Leeds Community Foundation in partnership with BBC Children in Need, the initiative aims to tackle youth disconnection, misinformation, and limited civic engagement.
The programme focuses on safe spaces, youth leadership, skills development, and narrative change.
Lead the Change Programme – Full Overview
The Lead the Change initiative is a 3-year funding programme designed to empower young people (aged 18 and under) to build stronger, safer, and more connected communities in Leeds, UK.
It invests in youth-led solutions that address:
- Social disconnection
- Lack of youth voice in decision-making
- Exposure to harmful or misleading online content
Key Programme Details
Funding Information
- Total Grant: £123,353
- Duration: 3 years
- Number of Grants: 1 (single organisation funded)
- Location: Leeds, United Kingdom
Delivery Partners
- Delivered by: Leeds Community Foundation
- Supported by: BBC Children in Need and partner foundations
Core Objectives of Lead the Change
The programme is structured around five core pillars:
1. Strengthening Community Connection
- Build trust and relationships across diverse youth groups
- Promote inclusion and belonging
2. Youth Leadership & Empowerment
- Enable young people to act as:
- Leaders
- Storytellers
- Changemakers
3. Digital Literacy & Narrative Change
- Equip youth to:
- Identify misinformation
- Challenge harmful narratives
- Create positive digital content
4. Skills Development & Opportunities
- Provide access to:
- Training programmes
- Mentorship
- Apprenticeships
5. Building a Youth-Led Movement
- Foster long-term, youth-driven community change
- Encourage civic participation and local engagement
What Activities Does the Funding Support?
Safe and Inclusive Spaces
- Youth clubs
- Creative hubs (arts, media, culture)
- Community gathering spaces
Youth-Led Community Action
- Co-designed local projects
- Intercultural exchange initiatives
- Community resilience programmes
Skills and Leadership Pathways
- Mentoring programmes
- Leadership training
- Career and apprenticeship access
Digital Engagement & Storytelling
- Media production (videos, blogs, podcasts)
- Campaigns addressing misinformation
- Youth-driven storytelling platforms
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Organisation Requirements
- Registered not-for-profit organisation
- Located and actively operating in Leeds
- Annual turnover between £65,000 and £2 million
Governance & Structure
- At least 3 governing board members
- Strong organisational management systems
Experience & Expertise
- Proven track record of working with:
- Children and young people (18 and under)
- Demonstrated community engagement
Safeguarding & Inclusion
- Strong safeguarding policies
- Use of trauma-informed approaches
- Commitment to youth participation in decision-making
Why This Programme Matters
Addressing Key Youth Challenges
Young people today face:
- Social isolation and lack of belonging
- Limited influence in policy and decision-making
- Exposure to online misinformation
Creating Long-Term Impact
The programme:
- Builds confidence and leadership skills
- Strengthens community cohesion
- Promotes digital resilience
- Encourages active citizenship
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Ensure your organisation meets all criteria
- Confirm financial and governance requirements
Step 2: Develop a Strong Proposal
- Clearly define your project goals
- Align activities with programme objectives
- Demonstrate youth involvement in design
Step 3: Design Youth-Centred Activities
- Include leadership, skills, and digital literacy components
- Plan safe and inclusive engagement spaces
Step 4: Show Impact and Sustainability
- Define measurable outcomes
- Explain long-term benefits for the community
Step 5: Submit Application
- Apply through Leeds Community Foundation within the specified deadline
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak evidence of youth participation
- Lack of clear outcomes or impact measurement
- Ignoring safeguarding requirements
- Overly broad or unfocused project design
- عدمonstrating limited community connection
Tips for a Strong Application
- Co-create projects with young people
- Use data and real examples to support your proposal
- Highlight partnerships and local networks
- Focus on inclusion and diversity
- Show clear alignment with programme goals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for this grant?
Registered not-for-profit organisations based in Leeds that meet turnover and governance criteria.
2. How much funding is available?
A single grant of £123,353 will be awarded.
3. What is the duration of the project?
The funding covers a 3-year implementation period.
4. What age group does the programme target?
Children and young people aged 18 and under.
5. What types of projects are prioritised?
Projects that promote youth leadership, community connection, and digital literacy.
6. Is youth involvement mandatory?
Yes, organisations must actively involve young people in project design and delivery.
7. What outcomes are expected?
Improved youth confidence, stronger community ties, and increased digital awareness.
Conclusion
The Lead the Change Programme is a strategic investment in youth-led transformation. By supporting one strong organisation in Leeds, it aims to build safer, more inclusive communities driven by empowered young people.
Organisations that prioritise youth voice, digital awareness, and community connection will be best positioned to succeed and create lasting impact.
For more information, visit Leeds Community Foundation.
