What is Hackney’s Youth Opportunity Fund?

The Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF) 2011 is funding offered by Hackney Council to provide young people with “more things to do and places to go”. This is a chance for you to decide what types of activities YOU think young people will enjoy and learn from. In doing so, you will be making a Positive Contribution that your community will benefit from.

Who runs it?

The fund is managed by a group of young people in Hackney who have been trained as Grant Makers. The group will meet to consider and discuss your application and decide on how the fund will be given out. This group has agreed a list of criteria to help make those decisions.

What can we use it for?

The Youth Opportunity Fund can be used to support projects and activities. This can include Arts and Media projects, Computer and Vocational Training, Expeditions, Residential, Events, Volunteering, Sports, Self-defence or to support the delivery of Educational Workshops.

How much can we apply for?

The limit you can apply for is £5000, or £3000 for a residential. This is to ensure the Fund is allocated to as many projects and groups as possible to increase "things to do and places to go" for young people across the borough. However, your project cost may be higher if you can show you have match funding.

Are there any guidelines to help us apply to the fund?

Yes, before you write your application, please read them carefully. Please remember that the Grant Makers will be assessing the application and making the decision whether or not to fund your project based on the information you have written in your application.

Funding will only be considered for projects that help to improve the lives of young people, to be: Healthy, Stay Safe, Enjoy and Achieve, Make a Positive Contribution and Achieve Economic Wellbeing. It is important for you to give examples of how your project will help make improvements in those areas. For more information on the five outcomes, please visit: www.everychildmatters.gov.uk

Dowlnload the Application Forms and Guidance Notes Here

How do I apply for a grant?

We suggest you first read the guidelines and talk your idea through with your Youth Worker, Connexions Personal Adviser, Teacher, or Carer and identify someone from an organisation to support your application. Once you have filed in your application, use your checklist to make sure you have answered all the questions, sign and date it, and then post it to:

Linton Harper - Project Officer, YOF
Youth Opportunity Fund
Hackney Youth Service
Hackney Service Centre
1 Hillman Street
London
E8 1D

Or email it to: linton.harper@hackney.gov.uk

Dowlnload the Application Forms and Guidance Notes Here

Where can I get advice about applying for the grant?

If you have any questions about filling in the application form, or would like to talk to someone about your project, you can email your query to YOF@hackney.gov.uk or call the Youth Office on 0208 356 7404 and ask to speak to the Grants Officer.

You can also go to the following website for more information:

• www.everychildmatters.gov.uk
• www.nya.org.uk
• www.communities.gov.uk

Funding deadlines

Events

Keep posted for more news on up and coming events

Download the YOF application forms.