Funding Available to Support Vulnerable Young People Across the UK

Charities and organisations supporting vulnerable children and young people have an opportunity to access funding through the latest grant round from the 7stars Foundation.

The Foundation has opened its third funding round of 2026, offering a range of support designed to improve the lives of young people aged 18 and under who are affected by significant challenges including abuse, addiction, caring responsibilities and homelessness.

With funding available for both organisations and individual young people, the programme provides a valuable opportunity for charities working directly with some of the UK's most vulnerable children and families.

Social Impact Grants

The Foundation is currently offering Social Impact Grants of £5,000 per year for two years.

Unlike many project-specific funds, these grants are unrestricted, allowing organisations flexibility to use the funding where it will have the greatest impact.

This funding round will focus specifically on:

• Tackling racism and discrimination
• Addressing online abuse and harm
• Supporting vulnerable young people affected by wider societal challenges

Eligible organisations must:

• Be registered charities operating in the UK
• Have an annual turnover below £1.5 million
• Demonstrate how their work supports vulnerable children and young people

Individual Grants

The Foundation also provides one-off grants of up to £500 for individual young people.

Applications must be submitted by safeguarding professionals such as:

• Social workers
• Youth justice professionals
• School safeguarding leads
• Outreach workers
• Legal professionals

These grants are intended to provide practical support to young people within the care system or legal system who require additional assistance that cannot be met through statutory funding.

Fully Funded Apprenticeships

A further strand of support offers fully funded apprenticeships up to Level 4 for organisations working with vulnerable children and young people.

Applications are welcomed from:

• Registered charities
• Community Interest Companies (CICs)
• Schools
• Nurseries
• Children's homes

Organisations must be non-levy paying employers and demonstrate how their work contributes to one or more of the Foundation's priority themes.

Funding Priorities

The 7stars Foundation focuses on supporting young people affected by:

• Abuse
• Addiction
• Child caring responsibilities
• Homelessness

The Foundation recognises that these issues often overlap and can significantly impact a young person's wellbeing, education, life chances and future opportunities.

Why This Matters for the VCSE Sector

Many VCSE organisations across Hull and East Yorkshire are already supporting children and young people facing complex challenges.

This funding could be particularly relevant for organisations delivering:

• Youth work and mentoring programmes
• Family support services
• Young carers projects
• Domestic abuse support services
• Homelessness prevention initiatives
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Digital safety and online harm programmes
• Anti-racism and inclusion projects

The unrestricted nature of the Social Impact Grants is particularly valuable at a time when many organisations are facing increasing demand and rising operational costs.

Key Dates

Application Deadline: 13 July 2026

Funding Decisions Expected: November 2026

Find Out More

Full guidance, eligibility criteria and application information can be found on the 7stars Foundation website:

https://7starsfoundation.co.uk

Organisations interested in applying are encouraged to review the criteria carefully and consider how their work aligns with the Foundation's focus on supporting vulnerable young people.