Young people across the UK are being encouraged to turn their ideas into action, thanks to funding available through the Alec Dickson Trust.
The Trust provides grants of up to £500 to individuals or small groups aged 30 and under who are planning to deliver volunteering or community service projects that make a positive difference. The funding is designed to help young people take the lead in creating initiatives that support others, particularly those who are most marginalised or disadvantaged.
Projects supported by the Trust must be UK-based and demonstrate a clear community benefit. A strong emphasis is placed on encouraging youth volunteering, especially initiatives that involve multiple volunteers and inspire long-term engagement. Successful projects often identify a specific local need and deliver meaningful, lasting impact for the people they support.
The Trust is also keen to fund innovative ideas. Applicants are encouraged to think creatively about how they deliver their project, whether that means using social media in new ways or making the most of existing resources to reach more people.
Applicants will need to provide a referee who can support their application in a professional capacity. The referee must not be directly involved in the project itself.
Applications are reviewed quarterly, with deadlines in January, April, July, and October.
The next deadline for submissions is 1 July 2026, giving young people a valuable opportunity to secure funding for projects taking place later this year.
This funding offers a great starting point for young people who want to lead their own community initiatives, build skills, and make a real difference in their local area.
For more information and to apply, visit the Alec Dickson Trust website.