Unlock Funding to Help Children and Young People Reach Their Full Potential

Are you part of a school, community group, club, society, or not-for-profit organisation in England? VSCE is excited to announce that applications are now open for grants of up to £5,000 to support projects that improve the education and development of children and young people aged 6 to 22 years.

Most grants are for less than £2,000, making this an excellent opportunity to bring smaller-scale, impactful projects to life—projects that might not happen at all without this support.

What Types of Projects Can Be Funded?

We welcome a wide range of activities, including:

• Academic education
• Art and design
• Community projects
• Debating and public speaking
• Drama and music
• Educational excursions
• Enterprise and vocational training
• Sporting activities

While all projects are considered, we give particular attention to projects that build self-confidence, teamwork, and employability for children and young people.

What Costs Can the Funding Cover?

The grants can help cover expenses such as:

• Educational materials and resources
• Sports and musical equipment
• IT equipment
• Tuition for drama, music, or other creative subjects
• Art and design tools and supplies
• Educational and vocational training courses
• Excursions, competitions, and educational events
• Seed funding for enterprise projects
• Drama production costs

What Cannot Be Funded?

Please note, the funding does not support:

• Projects for children under 6 or young people over 22
• Life-skill mentoring or counselling services
• Holiday clubs or playgroups
• Construction, maintenance, or repair of buildings
• Training for adults working with children or young people
• Student fees or maintenance
• General running costs of an organisation

Timeline

Applications are currently being accepted for projects taking place in early spring 2026. Don’t miss the chance to make a difference in the lives of young people in your community.