Apply now: Projects for Young People Programme (UK)

Deadline: 26-Mar-2026

The Projects for Young People programme offers grants of up to £15,000 to community groups in selected areas of the UK to support young people up to age 24. Funding can help develop skills, confidence, employment opportunities, and community engagement. Eligible organisations include charities, social enterprises, community groups, schools, and local authorities, with a focus on projects that create lasting positive impacts for young people.

Overview of the Programme

The Projects for Young People programme is designed to support initiatives that improve the lives of young people up to 24 years old. Grants aim to:

• Enhance skills development and employability

• Boost self-confidence and motivation

• Promote community engagement and participation

• Improve overall quality of life and well-being

The programme targets behavioural and educational outcomes that help young people thrive in their communities.

Eligible Areas

Grants are available for projects based in the following areas:

• Ealing

• Hillingdon

• Hounslow

• Slough

• Spelthorne

• Richmond

• Runnymede

• South Bucks

• Windsor & Maidenhead

Funding Details

• Maximum grant: £15,000

• Eligible project costs:

  • Capital costs: Building works, furniture, equipment

  • Revenue costs: Project delivery expenses, including materials and staff salaries

  • Overhead costs: Up to 15% of the grant for core staff and utilities

• Labour costs:

  • Should reflect the London Living Wage or appropriate day rate for skilled staff

  • Higher rates must be justified, including associated contributions

• Special considerations:

  • Projects supporting SEND young people may require higher costs per beneficiary; justification is required

  • Residential trips may be funded only as part of a wider developmental programme

Grant Categories

• Larger projects: Costs up to £60,000, grants up to £15,000

• Smaller projects: Costs up to £20,000, grants up to £5,000

• Special streams: Funding for Heathrow colleagues (HAPi initiative) and matched funding for fundraising projects

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

• Charities

• Community groups

• Social enterprises

• Local authorities

• Not-for-profit companies

• Schools (under specific conditions)

Additional Requirements

• Organisations must have a constitution and bank account

• New or informal groups may need a partner organisation to hold funds

• Faith or ethnic groups may apply if projects are inclusive and promote community cohesion

• Food banks, baby banks, or similar initiatives should focus on long-term sustainability rather than one-off donations

Ineligible Activities

The programme does not fund:

• Incomplete applications

• Projects outside eligible areas

• Initiatives exceeding maximum project costs

• Activities that are statutory requirements for schools or local authorities

• Vehicle purchases

• Appeals for individuals

• Commercial sponsorships

• Political campaigns

• Projects with more than two years’ running costs in reserves

Application Process

• Applications are submitted through a single-stage process

• Grant rounds and deadlines are published on the programme’s official website

• Applicants should submit a complete and well-detailed proposal, including clear budgets and justifications

How to Prepare a Strong Application

1. Identify the target group (young people up to age 24) and define project goals

2. Specify project outcomes in terms of skills development, confidence, employment, and community engagement

3. Prepare a detailed budget, including capital, revenue, and overhead costs

4. Justify any higher staff costs, SEND-specific activities, or residential components

5. Ensure the project aligns with eligible areas and funding rules

6. Include any necessary partnerships or governance documentation for new or informal groups

Why This Programme Matters

The programme supports young people’s personal and professional development, helping them:

• Gain new skills and qualifications

• Improve employability and training opportunities

• Engage meaningfully in their local communities

• Access inclusive opportunities regardless of background

By funding community-led initiatives, the programme fosters resilient and empowered youth, creating long-term benefits for both participants and their communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for funding?

Charities, social enterprises, community groups, local authorities, not-for-profit companies, and eligible schools.

2. What is the maximum grant amount?

Grants are available up to £15,000, depending on project size and scope.

3. What can grant funds cover?

Eligible costs include capital, revenue, and overheads directly related to project delivery.

4. Are residential trips funded?

Yes, but only as part of a wider developmental programme for young people.

5. Can new or informal groups apply?

Yes, but they may require a partner organisation to hold the grant funds.

6. Are projects for SEND young people eligible?

Yes. Higher costs per beneficiary must be justified in the application.

7. What types of projects are not funded?

Projects outside eligible areas, statutory school/authority obligations, political campaigns, commercial sponsorships, and vehicle purchases are generally ineligible.

Conclusion

The Projects for Young People programme provides community groups with funding to empower youth, develop skills, and increase engagement. By supporting projects across eligible areas, the programme aims to improve the quality of life and long-term prospects of young people, fostering resilient and inclusive communities.

For more information, visit Heathrow Community Trust.