Dorset Youth Grant open for funding applications
Young people are set to benefit as voluntary and community sector organisations bid for Dorset Council funding support the delivery of positive activities
Applications are open for voluntary and community sector organisations within the Dorset Council area to apply for a share of a £200,000 Youth Grant.
The cash will help them to support the delivery of positive activities for local young people.
Eligible organisations will be able to apply for grants from £500 to £10,000. To be considered, your project should contribute to at least one of the following outcomes:
- Provide positive activities for young people, including support for vulnerable young people whose needs might otherwise escalate
- Improve the wellbeing of young people in the Dorset Council area
The deadline for applications is 28 May.
'Excellent projects'
Councillor Clare Sutton, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “Our Youth Fund supported a wide range of excellent projects last year which promoted our young people’s wellbeing, inquisitiveness, inclusion, empowerment. I’m really excited to see what comes forward this year."
“The Grant Panel which assesses the applications will include young people, as their perspective will be crucial in ensuring we come to the right decisions.
“We encourage applications from across the council area to ensure as many young people benefit from it as possible.”
How the funding has helped Dorset’s young people
Tom Lane, Principal Youth Worker for STEPS Club for Young People, said: “The grant supports our programme of development work with young people and, in particular, our youth music project.
"It’s more crucial than ever that young people have a safe place to meet, professional support and opportunities to develop a range of skills that helps them to navigate teenage life.
"This grant helps to ensure that local people are given those opportunities.”
Debbie Munday, Business Development Manager for Relationships Wessex, said: “Ever since COVID we've seen a steady increase in young people seeking support from us.
"The cost of living increases put family finances under huge strain, making counselling out of reach to many families.
"Our funding from the Dorset Youth Grant means we can offer low cost early intervention counselling to young people to help them before their issues escalate.”