Aims/Priorities: The Pudsey Next Steps funding programme was established to help achieve greater equity, diversity and inclusion in BBC Children in Need grant-making.
The funding is intended to reach under-served and marginalised children and young people who may be affected by challenges including poverty, discrimination, and exclusion. For example, this could include care experienced or disabled children and young people. It may include racially minoritised children and young people.
Who can apply? Not-for-profit organisations working with children and young people aged 18 or under who live in the UK, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands can apply.
Applications will be considered from organisations which:
- Address the specific local priorities identified for this round in their Nation or Region. (Refer to the guidance notes on the BBC Children in Need website.)
- Have not been funded by BBC Children in Need before.
- Have an annual income of £100,000 or less.
- Are based in the community they serve.
- Are reaching children and young people aged 0-18 years who are experiencing inequality of opportunity.
The local priorities for the North of England for the Spring 2025 round are: organisations working with children and young people from Asian communities in Rochdale, Lancashire, Sheffield, Newcastle and Middlesborough. There is particular interest in organisations working with children and young people from Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities.
Grant Amount: Grants of between £1,000 and £15,000 per year for up to three years are available.
The minimum grant is £3,000 (£1,000 per year).
Application Process: BBC Children in Need has announced that it will be ‘unable to accept new Expressions of Interest after 15 April 2025 until mid September 2025’ as it is moving to a new grant making system during this time.
For more information please visit the programme’s Transition to New Grantmaking System Frequently Asked Questions
The current guidance notes can be found on the BBC Children in Need website.
Deadline: 15 April 2025
Contact Information: pudseygrants@bbc.co.uk