The NextGen Fund welcomes applications from grassroots community organisations based in any of the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester. The NextGen Fund PDF Guidance Fund Criteria The Fund will focus on projects aiming to improve social mobility through the provision of education, skills development and opportunities for young people. By young people, we mean those between the ages of 11 and 25.
Who can apply? The NextGen Fund aims to encourage and support grassroots community organisations. This means small, community-based and locally controlled groups that manage themselves, encourage people to get involved as volunteers and who just need a bit of financial help to be able to work with their community in the way they’d like. Applicants must be based in one of the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester and have an annual income of less than £50,000.
How much can you apply for? The maximum award request that will be considered is £1,000. What can you apply for? Local groups understand how they can best work in their communities, so we don’t want to limit the type of request you can make. You just need to let us know what you want to do and what positive things your activity will provide for those in your community in the context of the above criteria. The following are just some examples of the type of project the Fund may support: Ongoing activities which help develop communication, teamwork and other life/work skills in young people, e.g. this could be sports, dance or other weekly activities (not short-term/time-limited activity) but which focus on developing skills that are valuable outside of the core activity Sessions aimed at helping young people in your community to develop interview or other skills to help them gain work or promotion Coaching and mentoring for young people in work who are looking to change careers/improve employment opportunities New, innovative initiatives that attempt to aid the above criteria in some way
Is there anything you can’t apply for? Unfortunately, there are a few things that can’t be funded, such as activities that have already taken place or been paid for, contributions to major appeals, activities promoting political or religious beliefs and activity which should be provided by statutory services. If you’re not sure if we could consider your application for funding, please contact a member of the Forever Manchester Communities Team, email awards@forevermanchester.com and we’ll be happy to help.
Supporting Documents For help and guidance on your groups supporting documents and to see what we require to be submitted alongside your application, please refer to our guidance which you can find here: For Supporting Information Please note that this information forms part of the Fund guidance and should be read in full before you start the application form.
Deadline for Applications We will close for applications at midday on Thursday 3rd April 2025. Any applications received after this time will not be considered. OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
How long will a decision take? For this round of the NextGen Fund we aim to let you know the outcome of your application by late May. Please do not plan to start any activity until after you hear if your application has been successful.
