Interested organisations have until Friday 14 July 2006 to submit their outline proposal forms, giving the basic information about the project. Accepted proposals will then have until 16 October 2006 to submit a more detailed application for assessment.
The last awards from the Grants to Organisations strand will be made in December 2006. Big Lottery Fund is looking to support voluntary organisations working with young people between the ages of eleven and 25 years old and will award grants of between £5,000 and £150,000.
The key consideration for all applications is that young people are involved at all stages of project development - from planning to evaluation.
Big Lottery Fund Head of Region for Yorkshire and Humber, Vanessa White said: "The good news for organisations in this region is that we still have a substantial amount of funding available. We are keen to make sure that young people in Yorkshire and Humber benefit from this programme and so we would encourage voluntary and community organisations whose work involves young people to find out more now."
Batemoor and Jordanthorpe Neighbourhood and Safety Forum is one of the organisations that has already benefited from a Young People's Fund grant in the region. The grant of £16,534 awarded towards the Batemoor and Jordanthorpe Community Dragons project helps local young people play an important role in their communities by improving their local environment and helping others.
The group of eleven to 14 year olds pick up litter, garden for the elderly and decorate community venues as well as looking at issues such as drugs, crime and safety.
By creating an alternative, positive environment, young people develop a sense of pride and achievement, while the autonomy to set the agenda for their activities themselves makes them feel listened to.
Michelle Footit, Under 18 Projects Manager, said: "This grant will have a big impact on provision for young people in the area. The young people decide the programme in its entirety, concentrating on environment and community safety. The grant will also helps them to build their own website to promote the work they are doing in the area. Dragon Boat racing and other leisure activities are a reward for the work they put in."
Big Lottery Fund remains committed to supporting youth-led projects across England and following the success of the Young People's Fund to date a further £100 million has been allocated to the initiative.
Phase 2 of the Young People's Fund will open for applications in 2007 and will continue to support innovative projects led by and for young people in England. £81 million will help support local, regional and national projects that improve local communities and offer more opportunities to young people.
£19 million will go towards the final roll out of the School Sport Co-ordinators programme that facilitates sports partnerships working together to improve children's health and self-esteem, as well as building sporting and social skills through group activities.
Public Enquiries Line: 08454 102030
Big Lottery Fund
Textphone: 0845 6021 659
Full details of the Big Lottery Fund programmes and grant awards are available on the website: http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
