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Funding to Empower Young People through Language and Storytelling
Grassroots organisations across Yorkshire and the Humber have a fantastic opportunity to access new funding aimed at unlocking the creativity and potential of young people through storytelling.
The Audible Future Stories Fund is offering grants of up to £15,000 to support projects working with young people aged 12 to 18 from historically marginalised communities. This includes those from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled and neurodivergent young people, LGBTQIA+ communities and those experiencing economic disadvantage.
What is the fund about?
This programme places storytelling at its heart. Whether through creative writing, spoken word, digital media or audio production, projects should empower young people to find and share their voice.
Funded activities should help young people to:
- Build confidence and self-belief
- Develop communication, literacy and critical thinking skills
- Explore creativity and imagination
- Gain exposure to new opportunities and networks
- Experiment with new ways of telling their stories
There is a strong emphasis on innovation, so organisations are encouraged to think creatively about how storytelling can be used as a tool for engagement and development.
Who can apply?
The fund is aimed at small, grassroots organisations with an annual income of £250,000 or less. Projects must:
- Work with young people aged 12–18 (including 11-year-olds in secondary school)
- Focus on underrepresented or marginalised groups
- Deliver a clear, time-limited project
Projects should begin within six months of receiving funding, starting no later than February 2027 and completing by July 2027.
Key details
- Grant size: Up to £15,000
- Location: Yorkshire and the Humber
- Deadline: 17 May 2026 (23:59)
Why this matters for the VCSE sector
This funding is a great fit for organisations already working with young people, particularly those using creative approaches to engagement. It offers a chance to amplify young voices, build confidence and create meaningful opportunities for personal development.
Storytelling is a powerful tool. It helps young people make sense of their experiences, connect with others and shape their own futures. This fund recognises that and puts creativity front and centre.
