New programme will support young people to build stronger communities

We’re excited to be part of a major funder collaboration that will invest £3.4m to empower young people to play a leading role in fostering understanding and strengthening relationships within communities.

The Lead the Change programme will be delivered by 17 community foundations across the country, and we’ll be running the programme in Leeds.

 

What is Lead the Change?

Lead the Change is a new initiative, led by BBC Children in Need in partnership with national funders and UK Community Foundations. The programme supports young people to build stronger relationships, feel more connected and take a leading role in shaping positive change within their communities.

It invests in youth leadership, safe and welcoming spaces, opportunities to bring communities together and the skills young people need to navigate information online and shape positive local narratives.

 

Why are we sharing this information now?

We know the application windows will be quite short (we want projects to be able to get started as soon as possible so we’re aiming to make decisions quickly), and we want groups to have time to prepare now.

Expressions of interest will open on 01 April 2026, and close on 22 April 2026. By publishing the programme guidance now, you can consider whether you want to apply, and start to think about your application.

 

Who can apply?

Lead the Change is open to registered not‑for‑profit organisations in the UK (in the 27 specified places listed below) that:

• Have an annual turnover of no more than £2m, unless you are a domestic abuse refuge or hospice
• Have at least three trustees/members of the governing body
• Work in and are based in one of the 27 eligible areas listed below
• Work with children and young people aged 18 years and under
• Work in the heart of your communities and are trusted by young people
• Put the voices, experiences and skills of children and young people at the centre of everything you do, from design to delivery
• Can demonstrate strong safeguarding and trauma‑informed practice
• Are keen to keep learning about and developing their work with children and young people

 

What kind of work will be funded?

Lead the Change will fund work that strengthens local relationships, builds confidence and belonging, and gives young people the tools to lead change.

We’re keen to fund organisations that will support young people to drive positive change in their communities informed by local priorities. Projects could include:

• Safe spaces for young people to meet and connect– youth clubs, sports, creative and cultural spaces.
• Youth‑led community action and resilience– co‑designed projects, leadership development, intercultural initiatives to bring people together.
• Pathways to opportunity– skills development, mentoring, training and connection to training or apprenticeships.
• Narrative change and digital literacy– tackling misinformation and disinformation, storytelling and youth-created content.

 

How many applications will we be able to fund?

Each community foundation will award 1 or 2 grants of £123,353; most will award 1. At Leeds Community Foundation, we expect to fund 1 grant in Leeds.

If you are working in one of the other places, click here to see how to apply.

 

What’s the timeline?

Below is a rough timeline. The full timeline will be confirmed when expressions of interest open.

• 01 April: Expressions of interest open
• 22 April: Expressions of interest close
• Mid-May: Applicants hear whether they’re invited to full application
• Mid-May – Mid-June: Window for full applications
• Mid-late August: Final outcomes communicated

 

Where can I find the full guidance?

You can find the full guidance on our website. This page is also where you’ll be able to start an expression of interest once they open on 01 April 2026.

 

Full list of participating community foundations and areas covered

Community Foundation	Places Covered
Hampshire & IOW	Aldershot, Portsmouth, Southampton
Northern Ireland	Belfast
Heart of England	Birmingham
Forever Manchester	Bolton, Manchester
Quartet	Bristol
Community Foundation Lancashire & Merseyside	Blackburn, Preston, Blackpool, Southport, Liverpool
Point North	Hartlepool, Darlington, Middlesbrough,
Leeds	Leeds
Leicestershire & Rutland	Leicester
London	London
Two Ridings	Hull
Forever Nottingham	Nottingham
Devon	Plymouth
CF for Staffordshire & Shropshire	Tamworth
South Yorkshire	Sheffield, Rotherham
Community Foundation North East	Sunderland
Dorset	Weymouth