The Better Tomorrows Fund is now closed to applications; details of any future rounds will be shared on our website.
Grants to organisations to employ youth workers, creating additional youth work opportunities across Cumbria. The fund aims to support young people through safe spaces, positive activities, and trusted relationships that build confidence and resilience.
Background
Established by David Beeby, High Sheriff of Cumbria (2021–22), the Better Tomorrows programme champions high-quality youth work training and delivery, with the goal of significantly increasing the number of young people who can access support from youth workers. The programme encourages individuals in Cumbria to gain accredited youth work qualifications through Cumbria Youth Alliance’s training, while also providing funding for youth worker salaries via this open-access grant fund.
Donor
Supported by more than 50 funders, including individuals, businesses and charitable trusts.
Who can apply?
• charitable, not-for-profit organisations
Priority will be given to projects that:
• provide access to youth work for additional young people
• create additional opportunities in areas where there is limited or no youth work provision
• seek to increase participation from young people from less affluent social economic groups and young people who might not usually take part in youth work
• put young people at the centre in terms of voice and decision making
• support young people experiencing significant challenges or barriers to accessing support and opportunities, such as those living with disabilities
What the Fund will not support in addition to our normal exclusions:
• existing or recent youth work posts
• overhead costs e.g. rent, IT, publicity
• individuals
How much can you apply for?
The maximum award will be no more than £25,000 per year. Multiple-year funding may be considered for up to three years.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re an existing youth project, would this fund the salary of an additional youth worker?
The intention of this fund is to prioritise areas where there is currently no youth work being delivered, and give more young people access to quality youth work. An additional youth worker would need to support young people who aren’t currently engaged in any existing youth work services (i.e., in a different area to current provision).
We’re a volunteer led organisation, would this fund our first youth worker?
Potentially yes, if the youth worker could significantly increase the number of young people they are engaged with.
We have an existing youth worker whose post runs out of funding soon, could we apply to this fund to cover the cost?
No. This fund aims to increase the number of young people having access to support from new youth work avenues rather than cover existing overheads.
If you would like further information about this fund please contact:
Annalee Holliday on 01900 825760 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org