The Young People’s Fund is currently open for applications. The West Midlands budget for the Grants to Organisations strand, until December 2006, will be just over £5.1 million.

The programme is still in its early stages of delivery. However, to date we have received 68 Outline Proposal Forms and 6 full applications. We have processed 6 applications and have made 4 awards, the other 2 applications have been rejected at the first stage of assessment.

Before submitting an outline proposal form groups are advised to also contact our regional enquiries team on 0121 200 3512, e-mail: youngpeoplesfund.wm@biglotteryfund.org.uk to discuss their project idea.

Do it for Real is another Young People’s Fund strand supported by Big Lottery Fund.  We are working with YHA (Youth Hostelling Association) to provide places for 21,000 young people aged 11-17.  Do It 4 Real provides residential activities for young people in school holidays and gives them a chance to mix with young people that they might not otherwise get to meet.

http://www.doit4real.co.uk

We will also be working with an award partner on the Grants to Individuals Programme and we hope to have more details about this soon.