Hints + tips for making a successful bid!

Before sending it in, please make sure your application:

• Is suitable for the YOF
• Contains all the information asked for
• Is sent in on time

Is it suitable?

Advice from the government says that when you're applying, these should be your top three priorities:

• Should involve young people at every stage
• Must meet one or more of the five Every Child Matters priorities
• Should promote active involvement in your neighbourhood/community

CRUCIAL: Make sure the application form you're filling in is the right one!

The latest version of the form can be found here.

Getting your application form in

There are four rounds of funding in each year, with the following deadlines:

• 30th April
• 30th June
• 30th September
• 31st January

The application form needs to be fully filled in for us to progress your claim, so please check the forms thoroughly before you send them in. All the sections are important but please pay extra care that:

• Contact details are correct
• Forms are signed

Also, please keep a copy of your application form for your own information, as we are unable to provide copies at a later date.

NOTE: Please be aware that because of numbers of bids being received, we are unable to view presentations at meetings, so please include all relevant information with your application form.

Involvement of young people

The aim of the Youth Opportunity Fund and the Youth Capital Fund is to involve young people, especially hard to reach young people, in identifying positive activities and things to do; and to support their role as decision makers, grant givers and project leaders.

Young people should be supported as they grow into the role of decision makers, grant givers and project leaders.

They should also be encouraged to consider local needs and circumstances as a part of their role in shaping provision for young people beyond their immediate group.

Every Child Matters priorities

There are no restrictions on the range of initiatives and activities that the Youth Opportunity Fund and Youth Capital Fund can support provided that they are supporting the outcomes from Every Child Matters.

These are:

• Being healthy - Enjoy good physical and mental health
• Staying safe - Be protected from harm and neglect and grow up able to look after themselves
• Enjoying and achieving - Develop self confidence and life skills, achieve success and be acknowledged for it and have a fun time!
• Making a positive contribution - to your peers, the local community and society
• Achieving economic well being - Reach your full potential and make the most of your lives.

Projects do not need to meet all of these outcomes but applications will be considered for funding according how they meet one or more of them.

Involvement in your neighbourhood/community

The Youth Opportunity Fund and Youth Capital Fun are for positive activities and facilities for young people at neighbourhood level, i.e. what young people want locally.

Activities funded through the Youth Opportunity Fund can cover a range of interests including sports, the Arts and ICT interests. You can find a list of projects supported so far here.

The Youth Capital Fund can be used to refurbish or build a youth space within an existing community amenity, for youth shelters, mobile skate parks and ICT as new build facilities.

Bids should show strong proof of support from local young people.