Aims/priorities: This funding round forms part of a wider YEF programme of funding, evaluation and research over the next three years on what works to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls (VAWG).
The funding is intended for organisations delivering targeted interventions that identify and respond to inappropriate and problematic attitudes and behaviours around gender norms and relationships among children and young people aged 10–18.
This round (Objective 2) is focused on secondary prevention: early, targeted support for children and young people who are beginning to show emerging concerns, before behaviours escalate to the point where statutory services such as children's social care, policing or youth justice are required.
Projects should be delivered primarily through educational settings, but some activities can take place in community or partner settings where there is a strong link with a school or college. Programmes delivered mainly in community settings with only limited links to education are unlikely to be eligible.
Who can apply? Applicants must be a registered charity, company, statutory body or Community Interest Company (CIC) and delivering interventions in England.
The interventions must:
- Focus on targeted early support for inappropriate and problematic attitudes and behaviours around gender norms and relationships.
- Support children and young people aged 10–18 (or up to 19 in SEND settings) and have a clear link to, and support for, educational settings.
- Aim to improve children and young people's knowledge, attitudes or behaviour in ways that contribute to the long-term prevention of VAWG and harmful behaviours in relationships.
- Be sufficiently developed for a feasibility study or pilot evaluation (potentially following refinement), with a clear rationale and emerging Theory of Change.
Organisations should have the willingness to engage in an independent evaluation. Funded organisations must work with an independent evaluator throughout co-design, delivery and evaluation, and they must demonstrate relevant experience and the capability, partnerships and contextual understanding needed to deliver the proposed work well.
Applications from partnerships between organisations are welcomed.
Grant amount: A maximum funding cap for this funding round has not been set.
Application process: A free webinar will be held on 23 July 2026 (13.30 to 15:00). A link to register is on the YEF website.
The guidance notes, frequently asked questions, and online application form are available on the YEF website.
Deadline: Monday, 2 September 2026 (9 am).
Contact information: Email: grants@youthendowmentfund.org.uk
Website: Violence Against Women and Girls Prevention Programme | Youth Endowment Fund