Aims/priorities: Organisations across England can apply for funding to either deliver youth social action projects directly or take on a funding role - supporting other eligible organisations to do the same.
This round of funding is especially focused on projects that bring new voices into the social action space - particularly those engaging young people for the first time, led and shaped by young people themselves, and actively challenging negative stereotypes about young people.
The funding is for work that will:
- Create opportunities for young people to take social action
- Help young people get involved, and stay involved as they grow up
- Reach young people who have not taken part in regular social action activities before
- Give young people a say in the work being done, and in running the organisation
The funded work must help achieve one of the NLCF missions:
- Bring people together and encourage social connections
- Help children or young people thrive
- Support of all ages to live healthier lives
- Support communities to be environmentally sustainable
Priority will be given to work that supports young people experiencing poverty, disadvantage or discrimination.
Who can apply? Applications will be accepted from the following types of organisations:
- Funders
- Not-for-profit companies
- Company and registered charities
- Charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs)
- Community interest companies (CICs)
- Schools (as long as their project benefits and involves the communities around the school)
- Public bodies (for example, local authorities, town, parish or community councils)
- Community benefit societies (registered with the Financial Conduct Authority)
- Co-operative societies (registered with the Financial Conduct Authority).
Organisations must have at least two board or committee members who are not related. Companies must have at least two directors who are not related.
Grant amount: There is a total of £20 million in funding. NLCF expects to fund 15 to 20 organisations.
Grants of between £30,000 and £5 million are available and can support projects for up to four years.
Activities must be completed by 31 March 2030.
Application process: Guidelines and the online application form can be found on the National Lottery Community Fund website.
Deadline: Wednesday 19 November 2025 (midday) with a decision in 26 weeks.
Contact information: Email: general.enquiries@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
Website: #iwill Fund 2025 - strand 2 | The National Lottery Community Fund