Big changes start locally

Young Change Makers Fellowship Programme

This is a call to young people who are working to change their community for the better.
Virgin Money Foundation Young Change Maker Manifesto
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In our communities, there are many social issues that seem impossible to fix and often they don’t get the focus or funding they deserve. Through our work, we’ve met young people with the talent and drive to tackle these issues head on. Their thinking is clear and their passion for social change is obvious. We want to provide funding, mentoring and leadership development to young people who have the potential to change society for the better starting in their local community; the places and spaces they call home.

If that sounds like you, we’d love to help you make a difference.

Are you aged between 18 and 25?

Do you live in the North East, the North West or Yorkshire and the Humber?

Are you passionate about growing your idea and developing your skills as a change maker?

Tell us about the issue in your community you want to change and what you’ve done so far to start that journey.

If you’re accepted onto the Programme, you will:

  • Get a grant of up to £10,000, paid monthly over a period of six months. This will give you the time to develop and launch your idea.
  • Get a travel bursary to cover the cost of up to four weeks travel to research other community driven projects like yours. This can be in the UK or abroad.
  • Access a supportive peer group of exceptional young people committed to creating change.
  • Have a mentor to help you develop as a leader.
  • Meet social entrepreneurs who’ve created successful initiatives that drive change.
  • Be introduced to other organisations who can help you after you’ve completed this programme.
  • Help us to choose the next group of young people to join this programme.

In light of the new national lockdown and in consultation with our Youth Advisors we have taken the decision to extend the application window for the Young Change Makers Fellowship programme in order to give as many young people the opportunity to apply as possible. The fund will now close to applicants on Monday 17th May.

The new national lockdown has had such an impact on us all. Once again support structures have changed, the shape of our lives is significantly different and our ability for community engagement altered. In extending the deadline we aim to give Change Makers the time to deal with the impacts of the new lockdown before they commit to a programme for the months ahead.

In the meantime the Foundation team are available to discuss your application with you and answer any questions you may have regarding any aspect of the Fellowship Programme. We look forward to hearing from you!

   

Meet the Foundation Youth Advisors, partners in the development of the Young Change Makers Fellowship

Ready to apply?

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