Young people’s charity UK Youth will be distributing £2m in funding to smaller youth organisations that have been impacted by the pandemic.
The UK Youth Fund - Covid Relief launched yesterday and is offering grants up to £50,000 to youth organisations operating in England that have an annual turnover of less than £250,000.
The funding comes from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) Community Match Challenge scheme, which granted a total of £85m in match-funding to 19 foundations. The scheme is part of the government’s £750m commitment to support charities during the pandemic announced last April.
Pears Foundation received £5.5m from the match-funding programme and is working in partnership with Paul Hamlyn Foundation to give it away. UK Youth received £2m of it.
Charities affected by the crisis can use the money towards staff salaries, project running costs, organisational development and goods and equipment which supports delivery.
UK Youth said it is “particularly keen to hear from organisations that support young people who are most affected by systemic oppression and discrimination”, including those from ethnic minority communities, who are disabled or identify as LGBT+.
Organisations can apply by filling in a questionnaire on UK Youth’s website until 25 November.
‘Organisations are fighting for survival’
Lindsay Marsden, director of partnerships & fundraising at UK Youth, said “This is a pivotal step in reaching our ambitions to channel millions of pounds of investment to the youth sector over the coming years.
“The impact of the pandemic has had a devastating impact on young people and the safe spaces which support them. The role of youth organisations has never been more needed.
“We know that Covid is having, and will continue to have, an acute impact on the sector, especially after 10 years of de-funding and lack of investment. We are hearing how many organisations are fighting for survival whilst still trying to support the young people who need their help the most. We hope this is just a start.”
