Positive Future for Young People Fund (LGBTQ+)

Thank you for your interest in this fund. Please read all of the guidance on this page carefully before you apply. It will explain:

• background
• eligibility criteria
• what we can and cannot fund
• what you will need to complete your application
• the application process
• how to get help with your application
• the application timeline
• what happens after you apply

Contact us at pfypf@southwark.gov.uk if you have any questions not covered on this page.

The Positive Future Programme Board will assess application proposals for the fund. The Board is composed of young people and council officers.

Background

The Positive Future for Young People Fund (LGBTQ+) is part of our Youth New Deal, which followed a review of youth services undertaken in 2020. The Youth Review made a firm commitment to reviewing the youth programme offer, to ensure that providers are offering activity programmes that are informed and shaped by what young people want. The PFYPF brought together a variety of grant streams for a one-council joined-up approach to youth commissioning.

This year, we started a new cycle of grants to cover April 2024 to March 2026, having undertaken a grant process in 2023. Details of the providers who got a grant can be found at Positive Future for Young People Fund (LGBTQ+) - Southwark Council  This includes targeted services aimed at groups of young people who may need additional support.

We are unable to identify a provider to supply support to young people who identify with the LGBTQ+ community. We are now looking for a provider to carry out this support service.

Summary of the funds:

• £41,250 funding available in 2024/26, via Positive Futures for Young People Fund (PFYPF) allocated for this service
• the grant will be for 18 months commencing on 1 October 2024 up to 31 March 2026
• activity must provide young people an essential opportunity to participate in peer-group activities and build trusted relationships, supported by qualified staff 
• applicants must show they are investing in universal, open-access youth services and show commitment to young people’s inclusion in decision-making, community engagement, safeguarding and increased life skills
• Positive Futures Fund for Young People seeks to provide an inclusive and responsive youth service which aims to address inequalities by supporting, informing, upskilling, and encouraging young people

The funding is subject to the approval of our budget.

Eligibility criteria  

We can only accept applications from:

• organisations that are constituted and are either registered charities
• Community Interest Companies (CIC)
• Tenant & Resident Associations (TRAs)
• any other not-for-profit structure

If you do not fit into one of these categories, you can approach a local organisation to see if they could support your application.

All organisations will need to have the following in place:

• a health and safety policy, including risk assessments
• a safeguarding policy
• be compliant with DBS Barring requirements

Candidates must also have a bank account in the organisation's name and be able to supply a set of annual audited accounts.

As part of the application form, you are expected to answer several questions to confirm your eligibility. We reserve the right to request evidence to support this information at any stage of the process and will not progress with an application until it is produced.

What we can and cannot fund

The PFYPF fund can be used for:

• core staff costs
• revenue costs, for example salaries
• operational delivery costs
• low-value equipment costing up to £1,000, for example audio-visual aids, sports equipment

The PFYPF fund cannot be used for:

• a one-off event
• private or profit-making companies
• capital expenditure
• political activities
• duplication of projects
• items purchased and/or unspecified expenditures made before the grant application
• general facilities maintenance or overheads

What you will need to complete your application

• information about your organisation and the activity you want to deliver
• the total cost of your activity, how much funding you are applying for and an itemised budget (please use the financial breakdown form included in the 'the application process' section to list your budget) 
• demonstration of our Common Outcomes Framework as outlined in the Commissioning Framework and Grant Specification ^{(PDF, 170kb)}

Southwark Stands Together

We are committed to tackling racial inequalities at all levels. This includes ensuring our grant-making and commissioning practices remove any barriers to equal access. We will therefore be asking questions about the make-up of your organisation within the process.

Your organisation will need to sign up for Southwark Stands Together pledges by emailing SST@southwark.gov.uk.

Find out more about Southwark Stands Together

Tackling the climate emergency

We are committed to tackling the climate emergency together in Southwark. You will be asked to outline how your organisation will support this in your application.

Find out more about tackling the climate emergency together

London Living Wage

All applicants are expected to pay the Living Wage to all employed staff. All applicants must also ensure contractors and sub-contractors (who provide regular services to your organisation on your premises) also pay the Living Wage to their staff.

Find out more about London Living Wage and how to qualify as Living Wage Employer.

Premises

We are currently exploring the opportunity of providing a building that can be utilised for the delivery of this service.  Alternatively, organisations may opt to utilise another suitable site either owned or secured by themselves.

If you wish to use our premises, a deduction of £4,500 will be made from the overall grant amount to cover the cost of providing a building for one session per week.

Please note the space is for delivery only and we are unable to provide any office space. 

The application process

All applications must be completed and submitted using our online form. You can save your application as you go along, and return to it later. You do not have to complete it all in one go.  

This is a two-stage application process:

Stage 1 - applications

You need to complete the online application form. Young people will be at the heart of the programme; therefore, all application proposals should be co-designed by young people.

You also need to complete the financial breakdown form and send it to pfypf@southwark.gov.uk. 

Download the financial breakdown form ^{(xlsx, 18kb)}. 

The form also asks questions to check if your organisation is eligible for funding. If you are ineligible, your application will not be considered, and you will be notified at this stage.

If your organisation is eligible your application will be presented to the Board who will assess the applications. The Board will consider the following when making their decision:

• project activity details
• outputs / outcomes
• expenditure budget
• equalities monitoring
• declaration

The Board will be looking to determine if your idea is inspiring, creative, and innovative enough to meet the needs of young people.

Apply for funding

Stage 2 - presentations

All eligible candidates will be invited to present their idea(s) to the Board in an online meeting. This will consist of a ten-minute presentation showing how you will recruit young people for the project and ensure that it is accessible to a diverse range of young people, including ethnic minorities and young people of all genders.

At the presentation, the Board will also ask questions to clarify any part of your assessment not clear from the application form.

Get help with your application

You are welcome to attend our online briefing session on 15 May 2024 at 10.30am to 12.30 pm. This will provide further information and advice about the application process. It will take place via Teams.

Book your place at the briefing session

If you need help completing your application visit the Community Southwark website.

Application timeline

What happens after you apply

If your application is successful

• applicants will be required to work within our terms and conditions of grant funding
• you will be set up on our finance system so that you can receive your funding. This will be made as four quarterly payments. One at the start of your project, and following receipt of your quarterly monitoring reports
• we will introduce you to your Grant Monitoring Officer, who will be your main point of contact to ensure that you get the most out of your grant

If your application is unsuccessful

We will offer feedback where possible.

Page last updated: 10 May 2024