New funding round opens for Dorset’s youth services

Dorset Council’s Youth Fund, which awards £200,000 each year to voluntary and community sector organisations supporting children and young people in the Dorset Council area, will reopen for applications from 22 April. 

Applications will be open for four weeks, as part of Dorset Council’s ongoing commitment to investing in young people and the organisations that support them. 

Organisations can apply for grants of £500 up to £10,000 to deliver positive activities, projects and support, including ongoing project costs and the purchase of equipment, where this helps deliver positive outcomes for young people.   

The Youth Fund is open to organisations that support young people aged 11 to 19, or up to 25 for young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), or those who are care leavers.   

Councillor Clare Sutton, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said:  

“Last year we made 35 grants to a whole range of different organisations which means that young people from all over Dorset are benefitting from the Youth Fund. We are keen to hear from both new and returning applicants, and I would encourage organisations to take the time to look at the criteria and apply.   

The fund applies to a wide range of voluntary and community sector organisations, from smaller grassroots groups, not-for-profit organisations to more established charities and makes a difference to young people’s confidence, wellbeing and opportunities, right across our communities.” 

A mixed panel of young people and cross-party elected councillors will decide who is successful. Full grant criteria are available on the Dorset Council website which this year includes additional criteria linked to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).   

Kaye Wright, Youth Voice Team Manager said: “Following our recent youth parliament elections, one of the winning campaigns is to connect organisations that offer opportunities for young people in rural communities.  

And we’d like to see as many grant applications as possible meeting this need.” 

How the funding has helped Dorset’s young people 

The Vale Family Hub in Sturminster Newton benefited from the fund last year, Trustee and local councillor, Carole Jones said:  

“Each week we welcome between 30 and 45 young people, giving them a safe, welcoming place to spend their evenings.  

We offer a wide range of activities, hot food for those who arrive hungry, and access to computers, which keeps everyone engaged and supported. It’s busy, but seeing the positive impact it has makes it completely worthwhile.” 

The Buckland Newton Youth Club also benefited. Lead Youth Worker, Kate Parish said:  

“Buckland Newton Youth Club (BNYC) is run by nine volunteers, allowing funding to be spent directly on activities shaped by the ideas of local children and young people, from tractor nights and allotment projects to trips to Splashdown and a London residential.  

Dorset Council’s Youth Grant helps make these opportunities possible in rural north Dorset, encouraging young people to attend, take part and volunteer at community events, which builds local support and attracts further donations to help the club do even more.” 

How to apply 

Organisations are encouraged to check the criteria carefully before applying and to submit applications within the four-week window once the fund opens on 22 April 2026.   

To make an online application visit Dorset Council Youth Fund grant criteria - Dorset Council. 

Here you can read more about the eligibility criteria, further information about the decision-making process, and details of what the fund will and will not support.  There is also guidance to help organisations complete their application. 

The grant supports the council to deliver our priorities as set out in the  Children, Young People and Families’ Plan 2023 to 2033.