Positive Future For Young People Fund (PFYPF)

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

• the background to the fund
• 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 for at pfypf@southwark.gov.uk if you have any questions not covered on this page.

Make an expression of interest 

Background

There is up to £1,120,000 available in the 2024-26 fund (subject to the council’s annual budget setting process). The Positive Future Programme Board will assess applications. This is composed of young people and council officers.  

The PFYPF is part of our Youth New Deal, which was created following a Strategic Review of Youth Services in 2020. The review set out a firm commitment to ensuring that youth activity programmes are informed and shaped by what young people want. Through this Fund we aim to provide an inclusive and responsive youth service. Addressing inequalities by supporting, informing, upskilling and encouraging young people.

Current PFYPF projects are delivered by a diverse range of organisations. This includes services aimed at young people who may require additional support. For example, young people from, or who identify with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans + community (LGBTQ+), and those with special educational needs (SEN) and/or disability.

All funded activity must provide an opportunity for young people to

• take part in peer-group activities
• build trusted relationships
• be supported by qualified staff

Eligibility criteria  

We can only accept applications from organisations that are constituted and not for profit. For example, registered charities, Community Interest Companies (CIC), and Tenants and resident associations (TRAs). If your organisation does do not fit into one of these categories, you could partner with one that does.

What we can and cannot fund

The PYFYF can be used to fund

• core staff costs
• revenue costs (e.g. salaries)
• operational delivery costs
• low value equipment costs up to £1,000 (audio visual aids, sports equipment etc.)

Please note that this funding is for activities only.  Organisations must clearly state what activities they are seeking funding for, and the outcomes they want to achieve.

The PYFYF cannot be used to fund

• A one-off event
• Private or profit-making companies
• Capital expenditure
• Political activities
• Duplication of projects
• Items purchased and/or unspecified expenditure made before the grant application
• General facilities maintenance or overheads

What you will need to complete your application

Your expression of interest must include

• 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  
• Demonstration of the council’s Common Outcomes Framework as outlined in the Commissioning Framework and Grant Specification ^{(PDF, 781kb)}

Southwark Stands Together

Southwark Council is 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 also need to sign up to the Southwark Stands Together pledges. You can do this by emailing SST@southwark.gov.uk.

Find out more about Southwark Stands Together  

Tackling the climate emergency

Southwark Council is 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

The application process

All applications must be completed and submitted via the online grant portal from 24 August 2023. The platform allows you to 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 three-stage application process:

Stage 1 - Expression of Interest (EOI)

This allows you to set out why you are eligible for funding. You will be asked a series of questions about your organisation and to provide the following documents:

• governance documents
• latest annual accounts
• safeguarding Policy
• volunteering Policy
• relevant insurance policy documents
• evidence of bank account

Stage 2 - Applications

If your application is accepted at stage 1, you will be invited to complete the online application form and submit supporting documents.  Young people will be at the heart of the programme; therefore, all applications proposals should be co-designed by young people. 

This stage will cover the following:

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

Stage 3 - Presentations

If your application is accepted at stage 1, you will also be invited to give a presentation on your idea to the programme board.

The programme board will assess your application. If they determine your idea is inspiring, creative and innovative enough to meet the needs of young people, it will proceed to the decision stage.

Get help with your application

Community Southwark provide resources to help with funding applications:

Find online resources from Community Southwark

Application timeline

What happens after you apply

If your application is successful

• Successful applicants will be required to work within the Council’s terms and conditions of grant funding ^{(PDF, 350kb)}.
• 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

If your application is unsuccessful, we will offer feedback where possible.

Page last updated: 15 September 2023