The Lightbulb Fund: Support for Children and Young People in Care (UK)

The Leeds Community Foundation’s Lightbulb Fund provides grants of up to £20,000 to support projects benefiting young people in care, care leavers, and looked-after children. Funding covers education, employment, health and wellbeing, practical support, and social or community activities, with priority given to underrepresented groups and areas of Leeds with higher child poverty rates.

Overview of the Lightbulb Fund

The Lightbulb Fund aims to improve opportunities, support, and outcomes for children and young people in care or leaving care. Grants focus on practical interventions, skills development, mental health support, and community engagement, helping young people thrive during and after their care experience.

Funding Objectives

Strengthen education and life skills for care-experienced children.
Enhance employment prospects through placements, mentoring, and training.
Support health and wellbeing, including trauma-informed therapy, mental health services, and exercise programs.
Provide practical support for housing, travel, budgeting, and starter packs.
Promote community and social engagement, creative activities, and volunteering opportunities.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Incorporated not-for-profit organizations: charities, charitable companies, Community Interest Companies (CICs), and companies limited by guarantee.
Small unincorporated or unregistered groups with annual income below £10,000, if a grant will not push income over the threshold.
Organizations must have:
- Minimum three unrelated trustees or committee members (none registered as Persons with Significant Control).
- A formal governing document with a dissolution or asset-lock clause.
- A bank account with at least two unrelated signatories.
- Published or audited accounts (or an income/expenditure report for new groups).
- Safeguarding policies if working with children or vulnerable adults.

Ineligible applicants include:

For-profit entities, statutory organizations (schools, hospitals), or overseas organizations.
Applications for activities already completed, religious or political projects, animal welfare, building capital appeals, grant-making to other organizations, or overseas travel.
Only one application per organization is allowed.

Funding Details

Grant size: Up to £20,000 total (£10,000 per year).
Eligible costs: Staff, overheads, activities, and direct support for care-experienced children and young people.
Project types: New initiatives or extensions of existing programs.
Priority areas:
- Communities in Leeds with higher proportions of children in low-income households.
- Groups historically underrepresented in grant-making, including LGBTQIA+, racially minoritised, d/Deaf or disabled young people.

How to Apply / Submission Process

Prepare Application: Include project objectives, target group, activities, timeline, budget, and expected outcomes.
Confirm Eligibility: Ensure organizational structure, governance, and safeguarding policies meet requirements.
Submit Proposal: Only one application per organization via the designated application portal.
Review Process: Applications are assessed on alignment with fund priorities, impact potential, reach, and inclusivity.

Tips for a Strong Application

Clearly demonstrate impact on care-experienced children and young people.
Show evidence of need and outcomes, especially for underrepresented groups.
Include detailed budget and staffing plans.
Highlight opportunities for skills development, community participation, and long-term support.
Ensure compliance with safeguarding and governance requirements.

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the Lightbulb Fund? Incorporated charities, CICs, or small unregistered groups with annual income under £10,000.
2. What is the maximum grant amount? £20,000 per project over up to 2 years.
3. Can funds be used for capital building projects? No, funding is for project delivery, not capital appeals.
4. Are international organizations eligible? No, only groups operating within Leeds.
5. How many applications can an organization submit? Only one application per organization.
6. Which groups are prioritised? Care-experienced youth in areas of high child poverty and underrepresented groups like LGBTQIA+, racially minoritised, or disabled young people.
7. Can grants support existing programs? Yes, to extend reach or enhance existing services.

Conclusion

The Lightbulb Fund empowers organizations across Leeds to deliver vital support and opportunities for care-experienced children and care leavers, focusing on education, employment, wellbeing, and community engagement. By funding inclusive, locally targeted projects, the fund helps improve life outcomes, enhance skills, and foster long-term resilience for young people in care.