Lightbulb Fund Now Accepting Applications in Leeds
November 20, 2025Funding Available for Projects Supporting Care-Experienced Young People
The Lightbulb Fund has opened its application process, inviting organisations in Leeds to apply for grants aimed at supporting young people in care, those leaving care, and looked after children. The fund focuses on projects that provide practical, educational, and wellbeing support to these groups.
Who Can Apply and Priority Areas
Organisations working with children and young people in Leeds can apply for funding to support either existing projects that extend their reach to care-experienced young people or new initiatives. Priority is given to projects based in Leeds neighbourhoods with the highest proportion of young children living in low-income families.
The fund particularly encourages applications that benefit under-represented groups, including those who are LGBTQIA+, racially minoritised, d/Deaf, or disabled.
Grant Details
- Grant Size: Up to £20,000 total, with a maximum of £10,000 per year
- Project Duration: Up to 2 years
- Location: Leeds
- Deadline for Applications: 19 January 2026 at 12 noon
- Decision Announcement: March 2026
- Application Limit: One application per organisation
Eligible Project Activities
The fund can cover project costs, including staff and overheads related to project delivery. Examples of activities that may be supported include:
- Education and Training: Life skills workshops, self-care sessions, cooking classes, digital literacy, advice and advocacy, legal support
- Employment: Paid work placements, CV and interview workshops, job fairs, business mentoring, apprenticeships
- Health and Wellbeing: Trauma-informed therapy, exercise sessions, mental health support groups, parenting support for care-experienced parents
- Practical Support: Budgeting workshops, housing-related sessions, travel passes, starter packs for white goods and furniture
- Community and Social: Cultural trips, creative outings, outdoor activities, networking, and volunteering opportunities
For further details and to submit an application, organisations are advised to visit the Doing Good Leeds website.
Source: Doing Good Leeds
