5. We want to support the development and growth of organisations investing in young people and positive change
Much of our work aims to benefit young people but it is those who work directly with them who often make a difference to their lives, especially if they are vulnerable or face complex transitions to adulthood. We want to help organisations at different stages of development to improve, consolidate and spread those good practices which are endeavouring to make young lives better.
Our aim will be to improve the quality and quantity of support available for the most vulnerable young people, by allowing promising innovative approaches to be sustained and grown and/or replicated. We will target organisations working with young people who are experiencing disadvantage – sometimes referred to as ‘socially excluded’ or ‘marginalised’. This group includes those not in education, employment or training but extends to people whose experiences of disadvantage are often hidden or less well known, and whose voices are not heard. We will prioritise work with young people that starts by recognising and building on their strengths, and concentrate our support on those in the most precarious positions.
Our work under this strategic priority will include:
Youth Fund
This new fund will help organisations to become better prepared for achieving more by providing funding to cover some core operating costs. This is a direct response to feedback – that in order to achieve greatest positive impact in the lives of young people, organisations need to achieve a balance of stability, continuity and flexibility.
Growth Fund
This new fund will provide non-monetary expert support and longer-term funding to help organisations within the youth sector and outside to identify and implement practical steps to growth. We imagine that this might involve, for example, replicating a programme or service, or widening the reach of an idea or innovation, perhaps using new technologies to advance policy or enhance implementation. This fund will be by invitation only.
This is a new funding approach for us. We think there is a role for the Foundation in developing a convening role, supporting opportunities for the portfolio to exchange learning and practice experience, and so to improve skills and capability.