Apply now for Dorset Council's Youth Grant funding 

Young people in Dorset are set to benefit from Dorset Council’s £200,000 Youth Grant again this year. The fund is open to applications from voluntary and community sector organisations within the Dorset Council area which support the delivery of positive activities for local young people. 

Eligible organisations will be able to apply for grants from £500 to £10,000. To be considered, your project should contribute to at least one of the following outcomes: 

·       provide positive activities for young people, including support for vulnerable young people whose needs might otherwise escalate 

·       improve the wellbeing of young people in the Dorset Council area 

 You can find the full criteria on the Dorset Council website. 

The deadline for applications is 28 May. Those which meet the criteria will be considered by the Grant Panel for a decision and applicants will be informed on 23 July.   

Councillor Clare Sutton, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said; 

“Our Youth Fund supported a wide range of excellent projects last year which promoted our young people’s wellbeing, inquisitiveness, inclusion, empowerment. I’m really excited to see what comes forward this year.

“The Grant Panel which assesses the applications will include young people, as their perspective will be crucial in ensuring we come to the right decisions.

“We encourage applications from across the council area to ensure as many young people benefit from it as possible.”

How the funding has helped Dorset’s young people 

Tom Lane, Principal Youth Worker for STEPS Club for Young People, said: “The grant supports our programme of development work with young people and, in particular, our youth music project. It’s more crucial than ever that young people have a safe place to meet, professional support and opportunities to develop a range of skills that helps them to navigate teenage life. This grant helps to ensure that local people are given those opportunities.”

Debbie Munday, Business Development Manager for Relationships Wessex, said: “Ever since COVID we've seen a steady increase in young people seeking support from us. The cost of living increases put family finances under huge strain, making counselling out of reach to many families. Our funding from the Dorset Youth Grant means we can offer low cost early intervention counselling to young people to help them before their issues escalate.”

How to apply 

To apply for a Dorset Council Youth Grant, head to the Dorset Council website and submit your application before 28 May 2025.  

The eligibility criteria, further information about the decision process, and details of what we will/will not fund can be found on our website, alongside support in submitting your online application.