Funding Available for Youth Empowerment Projects in Leeds

October 20, 2026 Off By

The Leeds Local Youth Transformation Project has opened a second round of funding aimed at supporting innovative initiatives that empower young people across the city. A total of £16,000 is available to fund projects designed to break down barriers and build confidence, skills, and resilience among youth.

Purpose of the Innovation Pot

The funding seeks to support projects that test new ideas or approaches in youth engagement, skill development, or social impact. Proposals should demonstrate potential for scalability if successful and include clear strategies to ensure inclusive participation, addressing diversity and accessibility.

Applicants are required to introduce novel concepts or methods in community development, education, or youth engagement, explaining how their approach differs from existing programmes.

Focus Areas and Target Group

The fund is part of the Leeds Local Youth Transformation Programme and aims to address barriers young people face concerning public safety, as identified in the Youth Review and other consultations. Key issues include:

Feeling safe in public spaces
Fear of travelling to other parts of the city
Fear of accessing new services
Desire to make new friends
Access to fun activities
Having a trusted adult and a safe space to go to

The fund encourages applications from partners or consortiums to deliver programmes for young people whose voices may not always be heard. The focus is primarily on young people aged 14 to 16 who may be isolated or seldom heard, including but not limited to NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) young people, young carers, care leavers, and those educated at home. The fund recognises the importance of mixed group dynamics.

Project Requirements and Outcomes

Proposals should be young person-led and incorporate innovative, creative approaches that may include multiple sessions, events, activities, residentials, or other methods. The aim is to ensure investment is responsive to identified needs and informed directly by youth voices.

Projects are expected to run between November and 28 February 2027, with outcomes reported by 19 March 2027.

Expected outcomes include, but are not limited to:

Increased confidence among young people to access services and participate in activities
Improved resilience
Formation of new friendships
Enhanced youth engagement and skill building
Insights into barriers to participation and engagement
Recommendations on how to break down barriers
Understanding effective ways to engage young people who seldom have their voices heard
Learning to improve accessibility and inclusivity of services and support

There is also an emphasis on creating opportunities that contribute to local youth workforce development, with a legacy beyond the project duration.

Application Process

Applications will be scored against specific criteria, with young people involved in the decision-making process. The deadline for proposal submission is Friday 6 November 2026. Interviews will take place on Wednesday 11 November, and contracts are expected to be awarded by Friday 13 November.

For further information or an informal discussion, interested parties can contact Lesley Wilkinson at Lesley.Wilkinson@leeds.gov.uk.

Additional details, including grant criteria and application forms, are available through the Leeds Local Youth Transformation Project resources.