Deadline: 20-May-2026
The Young Island Lives grant programme is designed to improve employability outcomes and life skills development for young people living on the Isle of Wight. It supports community-based initiatives that help young people build essential skills for education, employment, training, and independent living.
The programme is aligned with HIWCF’s mission of tackling poverty and inequality through targeted youth development support.
Geographic and Target Group Focus
The programme is focused exclusively on the Isle of Wight and targets young people aged 11 to 25.
Priority groups include:
- Young people facing unemployment or insecure work
- Those excluded from school or education systems
- Individuals not in education, employment, or training (NEET)
- Young people experiencing social or economic barriers
- Youth requiring support in transitioning into adulthood
The programme emphasizes inclusion and targeted support for vulnerable groups.
Key Objectives
The main objectives of the programme include:
- Improving employability skills among young people
- Supporting life skills development and independence
- Increasing access to education, training, and volunteering
- Reducing barriers to employment and progression
- Strengthening youth empowerment and participation
- Supporting transition into adulthood and the workforce
- Encouraging youth engagement in programme design
The focus is on long-term social and economic inclusion.
Funding Details
The programme provides structured multi-year funding:
- Up to £10,000 per year
- Up to £20,000 over a 24-month period
- Grants paid annually in instalments
- Continuation into year two depends on satisfactory progress reporting
Funding is intended to support sustained youth development programmes rather than short-term activities.
Eligible Organisations
Eligible applicants include:
- Non-profit community organisations
- Organisations with a proven track record of working with young people
- Organisations not necessarily youth-specific but able to engage youth effectively
Applicants must demonstrate capacity to deliver youth-focused outcomes.
Programme Focus Areas
The grant supports initiatives in the following areas:
- Employability skills development
- Life skills training and personal development
- Youth skills training and capacity building
- NEET reduction and engagement strategies
- Volunteering and community participation opportunities
- Access to education, training, and employment pathways
- Youth empowerment and participation in decision-making
- Support for transitions into adulthood
Projects should be designed with active youth involvement.
How the Programme Works
Applicants are expected to design youth-focused initiatives that improve skills and employability outcomes.
Key steps include:
- Identifying target youth groups and local needs
- Designing employability or life skills development programmes
- Involving young people in shaping and delivering activities
- Delivering structured training, volunteering, or engagement opportunities
- Reporting progress annually for continued funding
The programme emphasizes sustainability and measurable outcomes.
Youth Participation Requirement
A key requirement is meaningful youth engagement.
Projects should:
- Involve young people in planning and decision-making
- Reflect youth needs and lived experiences
- Encourage active participation in programme delivery
- Promote leadership and empowerment opportunities
This ensures that initiatives are relevant and youth-driven.
Monitoring and Continuation Criteria
Funding continuation into the second year depends on:
- Satisfactory delivery of planned activities
- Evidence of impact on youth employability or skills
- Proper financial and narrative reporting
- Demonstrated engagement with target groups
- Progress toward stated outcomes
Monitoring ensures accountability and effective use of funds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common issues in applications include:
- Lack of clear focus on employability or skills outcomes
- Weak or missing youth participation component
- Vague definition of target group
- Short-term activities without long-term impact
- Insufficient evidence of organisational capacity
- No clear measurement of NEET or employment-related outcomes
Strong proposals show clear impact pathways for young people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Young Island Lives programme?
It is a grant programme supporting youth employability and skills development on the Isle of Wight.
Q2. How much funding is available?
Up to £10,000 per year, or £20,000 over two years.
Q3. Who can apply?
Non-profit organisations with experience working with young people.
Q4. What age group is targeted?
Young people aged 11 to 25.
Q5. What are the main focus areas?
Employability skills, life skills, NEET support, volunteering, and education access.
Q6. Is youth participation required?
Yes, projects must involve young people in shaping and delivery.
Q7. What determines continuation of funding?
Satisfactory annual reporting and demonstrated progress in youth outcomes.
Conclusion
The Young Island Lives grant programme is designed to strengthen employability, life skills, and social inclusion for young people on the Isle of Wight. By supporting community organisations that actively engage youth in programme design and delivery, it aims to reduce barriers to employment and education while helping young people transition successfully into adulthood.
For more information, visit HIWCF.