Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The Refurbishment Fund provides financial support to eligible organisations for repairing, renovating, and upgrading buildings and spaces used to deliver services for children and young people. The programme helps improve the quality, safety, and functionality of youth service facilities through one-off refurbishment projects.
Two funding options are available: Small Grants of up to £10,000 and Main Grants of up to £30,000. Eligible applicants must have received funding from the charity’s Open Programme within the past three years or currently receive funding from the charity and meet specific lease requirements.
What Is the Refurbishment Fund?
The Refurbishment Fund is a capital funding programme designed to help organisations improve the physical spaces where they deliver activities, services, and programmes for children and young people.
The fund supports one-off refurbishment projects that enhance the condition, usability, and effectiveness of youth service facilities.
By investing in buildings and venues, the programme aims to create safer, more welcoming, and better-equipped environments that support positive outcomes for children and young people.
Purpose of the Refurbishment Fund
The fund focuses on strengthening youth service delivery by improving the spaces where programmes and activities take place.
The main objectives include:
- Improving youth service facilities
- Renovating and repairing buildings used by children and young people
- Enhancing safety and accessibility
- Creating more functional activity spaces
- Improving the quality of service delivery environments
- Supporting long-term use of community facilities
What Types of Projects Can Be Funded?
The Refurbishment Fund supports a range of one-off improvement projects.
Building Repairs
Funding may support:
- Structural repairs
- Essential maintenance work
- Internal repairs
- External repairs
Refurbishment Projects
Eligible works may include:
- Renovation of youth activity spaces
- Upgrading community rooms
- Refitting service delivery areas
- Modernisation of facilities
Facility Improvements
Funding can help organisations:
- Improve safety standards
- Enhance accessibility
- Upgrade interiors
- Improve functionality of activity spaces
Youth Service Venue Upgrades
Projects that improve venues primarily used for children and young people are encouraged.
Examples include:
- Youth centres
- Community buildings
- Activity venues
- Programme delivery spaces
- Educational and recreational facilities
Funding Available
The programme offers two separate grant categories.
Refurbishment Small Grants
Small Grants provide funding for smaller-scale refurbishment projects.
Grant Amount
- Up to £10,000
Project Cost Limit
- Total project cost must not exceed £10,000
These grants are designed for minor renovation and improvement works.
Refurbishment Main Grants
Main Grants support larger refurbishment and building improvement projects.
Grant Amount
- Up to £30,000
Average Award Size
- Approximately £15,000
Project Cost Limit
- Total project cost, including the grant contribution, must not exceed £100,000
These grants are intended for more substantial refurbishment and upgrade projects.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet specific funding and property requirements.
Eligible Organisations
To apply, organisations must:
- Be currently funded by the charity, or
- Have received funding through the charity’s Open Programme within the last three years
Only organisations that meet this funding history requirement can apply.
Property and Lease Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate secure access to the building or venue where refurbishment work will take place.
Small Grant Lease Requirement
For Refurbishment Small Grants, applicants must hold:
- A minimum lease of two years
Main Grant Lease Requirement
For Refurbishment Main Grants, applicants must hold:
- A minimum lease of five years
The lease requirement helps ensure that the improvements funded will continue benefiting children and young people over time.
Eligible Buildings and Venues
The property being refurbished must primarily be used to deliver activities and services for children and young people.
Examples include:
- Youth centres
- Community facilities
- Children’s activity spaces
- Programme delivery venues
- Recreational facilities
- Educational support centres
Buildings used mainly for unrelated activities may not qualify.
Why This Fund Matters
The quality of a building can directly affect the experience, safety, and wellbeing of the children and young people who use it.
Many youth organisations operate from ageing or outdated facilities that require investment to remain effective and welcoming.
The Refurbishment Fund helps organisations:
- Improve service quality
- Create safer environments
- Increase participation opportunities
- Enhance accessibility
- Modernise facilities
- Support long-term programme delivery
By improving physical infrastructure, organisations can deliver more effective and impactful services.
How to Apply for the Refurbishment Fund
Step 1: Check Funding Eligibility
Confirm that your organisation:
- Is currently funded by the charity, or
- Has received Open Programme funding within the last three years
Step 2: Verify Lease Requirements
Ensure your organisation holds the required lease length:
- Two years minimum for Small Grants
- Five years minimum for Main Grants
Step 3: Assess Refurbishment Needs
Identify the repairs, renovations, or improvements needed within your facility.
Consider:
- Safety concerns
- Accessibility improvements
- Service delivery requirements
- Building condition issues
Step 4: Obtain Project Costs
Gather quotations and estimates for the proposed refurbishment works.
Step 5: Select the Appropriate Grant Type
Determine whether your project is best suited for:
- Small Grants (up to £10,000)
- Main Grants (up to £30,000)
Step 6: Prepare Supporting Documentation
Compile all required evidence, including:
- Lease documentation
- Project plans
- Cost estimates
- Organisational information
Step 7: Submit Your Application
Complete the application process and ensure all required documentation is included.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applying Without Eligible Funding History
Only organisations currently funded by the charity or funded within the previous three years through the Open Programme are eligible.
Insufficient Lease Length
Applications may be rejected if lease requirements are not met.
Applying for Ineligible Buildings
The property must primarily support services and activities for children and young people.
Exceeding Project Cost Limits
Applicants should ensure project budgets remain within programme limits.
Incomplete Supporting Documents
Missing lease agreements, quotations, or project details may delay or invalidate an application.
Poor Project Justification
Clearly explain how the refurbishment will improve services for children and young people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Refurbishment Fund?
The Refurbishment Fund provides grants to improve buildings and spaces used to deliver services and activities for children and young people.
How much funding is available?
Two grant types are available:
- Small Grants up to £10,000
- Main Grants up to £30,000
Who can apply?
Organisations that currently receive funding from the charity or have received Open Programme funding within the last three years.
What types of projects are eligible?
Eligible projects include building repairs, renovations, facility upgrades, and improvements to youth service delivery spaces.
What lease is required for a Small Grant?
Applicants must hold a lease with at least two years remaining.
What lease is required for a Main Grant?
Applicants must hold a lease with at least five years remaining.
Can the fund be used for new buildings?
The programme is designed to support refurbishment, renovation, and improvement of existing buildings and venues used for youth services.
Key Takeaways
- The Refurbishment Fund supports improvements to buildings used for children and young people’s services.
- Small Grants provide up to £10,000 in funding.
- Main Grants provide up to £30,000, with average awards around £15,000.
- Main Grant projects cannot exceed a total project cost of £100,000.
- Eligible organisations must have received funding through the charity’s Open Programme within the last three years or currently receive funding.
- Lease requirements are two years for Small Grants and five years for Main Grants.
- The building must primarily be used to deliver activities and services for children and young people.
Conclusion
The Refurbishment Fund offers valuable financial support for organisations seeking to improve the quality, safety, and functionality of spaces used by children and young people. Through grants of up to £30,000, the programme enables youth-focused organisations to undertake essential repairs, renovations, and facility upgrades that strengthen service delivery and create more welcoming environments. Organisations that meet the funding history and lease requirements can use this opportunity to invest in facilities that will benefit young people for years to come.
For more information, visit John Lyon’s Charity.