8 to 19-year-olds can now apply for £2k grant from council’s Youth Opportunity Fund

The Youth Opportunity Fund aims to fund projects that give youngsters somewhere to go, something to do, or someone to talk to

Young people from across the borough can apply for grants of up to £2,000 from the council’s Youth Opportunity Fund.

The fund is for young people aged eight to 19 to fund projects that give youngsters across the borough somewhere to go, something to do, or someone to talk to.

The fund was established after councillors suggested money from the Manchester Airport dividend - which comes from profits made by the airport and is split between all councils in Greater Manchester - should be invested in the borough’s young people.

Cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Kieran Heakin, said: “I’m proud of this fund and how we work to get the ideas our young people have had off the ground; we want our young people to be thoughtful, ambitious and achieve what they want to. I would encourage lots of young people across the borough to apply because we want to fund a wide variety of projects for them.

“2020 has been such a challenge but I know our young people will shine bright with their passionate ideas to support each other.”

Funding ideas might be around sporting activities, Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions, or activity programmes, but they will need to take into account Covid-19 restrictions.

Applications need to demonstrate how their project will provide realistic, well thought out and achievable outcomes, which should help improve and support young people’s mental health, resilience and wellbeing, and provide additional activities for young people aged eight – 19.

Previous rounds have seen gardening projects, summer holiday activities and residential trips funded for young people to enjoy.

As part of the fund, the council will involve young people in the planning, delivery, and evaluation process. Applications will be judged by a panel made up of young people from the children’s council, youth council and the youth service who will be supported by the council’s youth workers and finance staff. 

Applications to the fund are open on a rolling monthly basis with the following opening and closing dates:

• Round 1 opened on Monday 2 November and will close on Friday 27 November 2020
• Round 2 opens on Monday 30 November and closes on Friday 18 December 2020
• Round 3 opens on Monday 4 January 2021 and closes on Friday 29 January 2021

For more information on the Youth Opportunity Fund visit: rochdale.gov.uk/YouthOpportunityFund