Youth Partnership Learning and Development Grants

Which organisations are eligible for funding?

This programme is open to youth-focused charitable organisations or groups. You  can apply for funding if you are a:

• constituted voluntary or community organisation or a
• registered charity or a 
• not-for-profit company, including Community Interest Companies where: the majority of directors receive no payment from the company, it is limited by guarantee* and has a suitable asset lock clause
• and have not received a grant from this programme in the last 12 months

*If the CIC is limited by shares, please speak to us before applying.

You also need to be a:

• a local organisation based and operating in Wiltshire &/or Swindon (this can include local branches of national organisations with your own management committee based in Wiltshire or Swindon and bank account).

or

• an organisation based outside Wiltshire/Swindon that meets the following: 
  • applying for work in Wiltshire &/or Swindon
  • the majority of your other services are in counties neighbouring Wiltshire/Swindon
  • have worked collaboratively with local people to identify need and the best way to address issues
  • have a good understanding of other services in the area you propose to serve and not duplicating support already on offer

Your organisation must have:

• an active Voluntary Management Committee or Directors or Trustees of at least three people who are not:
  • related to each other or in a long-term relationship
  • living at the same address 

• a constitution appropriate to the size and structure of the organisation
• a safeguarding policy in the name of the organisation, that is regularly reviewed and updated and with a named safeguarding lead
• an equalities policy in the name of the organisation

Safeguarding and equalities policies should reflect current legislation and the activities and scope of your organisation. Further guidance on safeguarding and equalities is available here.

Your organisation needs the following financial arrangements and documents:

• a bank account in the name of the organisation with two signatories who are not related to each other
• an appropriate level of reserves for the size and nature of your organisation. We would expect your unrestricted reserves to represent less than 12 months running costs
• financial records or accounts showing income, expenditure and reserves for the most recent financial year
• a financial plan or budget showing this year's expected income, expenditure and reserves.
• a recent bank statement – we will need this to be able to pay you your grant if you are awarded

If you don't have some of the documents mentioned above, please talk to us for further advice. New organisations who do not have some of the above in place may be able to apply through another charitable organisation.

What can I apply for and how much?

You can apply for a grant of between £100 and £3,000. 

Applicants should only request the level of funding needed to deliver their proposed learning or development activity.

What types of projects are eligible for funding?

The examples below relate to the wider programme and may be supported in future rounds.

You can apply for a grant to support the costs of activities such as:

• Attendance at webinars or seminars focused on youth work, leadership or organisational development

• Coaching or mentoring sessions delivered by a professional practitioner

• Training places for contracted staff (excluding freelance staff)

• Specialist training for trustees, such as HR or financial management

• Completion of Level 2–6 youth work qualifications delivered or coordinated through the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Partnership

Please note: Training and development supported through this programme must be delivered by an established and appropriately qualified provider and may be delivered either in person or online. 

Support with staff time

In some circumstances, we may be able to contribute towards staff time for organisations employing staff on limited-hours contracts, where attending training would otherwise be a barrier. Please contact us if you would like to discuss.

What we do not fund

The programme does not support:

• training or opportunities that can be accessed free of charge through the Youth Partnership, local partners or national providers
• contributions towards larger courses or qualifications, such as degrees
• standalone assessment or examination fees not included as part of a course
• the advancement of religion

Who we don't fund:

• organisations where training is provided/funded internally i.e. scout groups
• organisations where working with young people is not a key focus of their service delivery
• individuals who aren't part of a youth-focused charitable organisation or group
• schools
• statutory bodies such as city, county or parish councils or health institutions
• charities that operate nationally
• companies limited by shares

Please note: as we do not fund the advancement of religion, if you are a place of worship or deliver faith-based youth work, please contact us before applying.