Youth Opportunity and Capital Funds (YOF/YCF)

If you and your mates have an idea for an exciting project that could change spaces in Hull and help develop activities for young people why not find out more about The Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF)and the Youth Capital Fund (YCF).

This year there is £448,900 YOF and £193,000 YCF available to use between April 2010 and March 2011 and the deadline for applications is 3pm on Monday 15th March 2010.

YOF and YCF grants

The YOF is money to spend on things to do. In Hull, you can apply for a small or large YOF grant of between £250-£7500.

For example, you could apply to the YOF for -

• celebration or cultural events
• arts projects
• sports 
• trips
• gig/music 
• training
• volunteering
• changing your local neighbourhood
• small equipment (less than £1000)

The YCF is for places, equipment and building things.  These are larger projects, which should help in providing activities with and for young people. In Hull, applying for grants for YCF needs to be for projects greater than £2,500. Single items have to cost more than £1,000 to be considered ‘capital’.

For example,you could apply to the YCF for -

• establishing a cybercafé
• skate park
• single item (more than £1000)
• computers suites
• mobile venue
• new building extension
• minibus

There have been many exciting projects over the years such as developing a motorbike trails course, training as pool lifeguards, community gardening and allotment projects, stage and arts performances, volunteering projects and the YOF Big Bash celebration event, the list is only limited by imagination.

What it will not pay for

This money is for extra things to do or places to go. It can't be used to replace things that should be provided by schools or the council. It won't pay for things that happen through the school day - unless it is to benefit young people who aren't on a school roll or register.

Applying

Any young person aged 13-19 years can apply. Young people up to 25 years with specific disabilities can also apply. We encourage applications from the following:

• black and minority ethnic groups
• young people with disabilities
• young people in areas of disadvantage
• young carers
• young offenders
• looked after children or care leavers 
• young travellers or refugees
• lesbian, gay, transsexual and transgender young people
• all young people aged 13-19

Decisions on applications

Funding panels made up of young people from the youth forums and local youth projects meet together to agree grants to young people who have made a bid.

The young people who take part have, or will gain, experience and training in one or more of the following:

• facilitating skills
• evaluating and assessing applications
• negotiation skills
• decision-making skills
• communication skills

They will look at the application form and discuss it when necessary with you and your supporting adult or group.  They will see if your bid fits the funding criteria.  Your bid must be planned and led by young people, but can be assisted by a supporting adult or group.

You should return your application to the address the postal address provided. The deadline for Round 1 of funding is 3pm on Monday 15th March 2010. You'll hear if you've been successful by the end of May 2010. Round 2 deadline is 20th September 2010.  All projects must be completed by 31st March 2011.

Please return your completed forms to -

Youth Development Service, YOF/YCF Grants Partnership,
East Stand, KC Stadium, Walton Street, HULL HU3 6HU.

Download the pdf below to find out more. Or you can call 01482 300 300 or email: youthdevelopmentservice@hullcc.gov.uk