The Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s Youth Fund supports organisations working with young people aged 14–25 to create lasting systemic change. The fund prioritises efforts that tackle the root causes of inequity, build inclusive systems, and strengthen young people’s power and voice.
Grant Amount
- Up to £50,000 per year for three years (maximum £150,000)
- Minimum: £30,000 per year
- Designed as a strategic investment in organisational growth and impact
Application Process
- Rolling applications with no deadlines
- Two stages: written application followed by interview
- Around 20 grants awarded annually (10–12% success rate)
Who Can Apply
Eligible not‑for‑profit organisations must focus at least 50% of their work on 14–25 year olds and have an annual turnover between £30,000 and £3.5 million.
The fund supports organisations working with:
- Young people experiencing challenging transitions
- Young people with intersecting identities and experiences of systemic inequity
Applications are especially encouraged from organisations led by people most impacted by racism, ableism, classism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, and transphobia.
What They Fund
The Youth Fund supports organisations that:
- Work beyond direct delivery to influence strategic and systemic change
- Address the root causes of injustice
- Ensure approaches reflect young people’s lived experience
- Are committed to anti-racism and inclusive practice
- Take an asset‑based approach, focusing on young people’s strengths and power
Funding can cover:
- Core organisational costs, including salaries and delivery costs
- Scaling or strengthening existing work (not new or untested ideas)
Partnerships are eligible with a clearly defined lead partner.
What They Don’t Fund
The Foundation does not support:
- Newly registered organisations without audited/examined accounts
- Project‑only work without wider systemic impact
- Direct service delivery without strategic intent
- Research without a clear route to action
- Statutory responsibilities
- Work focused solely on employment or education pathways
- Hospice/end‑of‑life support for young people
- Most YMCA work unless focused on significant housing system change
Before You Apply
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Foundation’s guidance on asset‑based approaches to ensure alignment with the fund’s ethos.