The aim of the Youth Investment Fund (YIF) is to create, expand and improve local youth facilities and their services, in order to drive positive outcomes for young people, including improved 
health and wellbeing, and skills for work/employability and life.
BBC Children in Need was selected to distribute phase 1 of this funding on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Phase 1 comprises £10m for youth provision in left-behind areas of England, and is funding for small-scale capital projects, including capital equipment, small redevelopments and other capital projects that can be delivered within the 21/22 financial year (by 31 March 2022).
This fund is only for organisations who:
- Are working with children and young people and delivering work in ‘left behind’ areas of England
- Are working with children and young people, where the majority of the children are aged 11 to 19 years. Where young people have a special educational need, are leaving care, or are considered ‘at risk’ or vulnerable, the fund may also fund up to the age of 25 years.
- Are registered with their appropriate regulatory body.
Applications will be considered from:
- Charities registered with the Charities Commission
- Not-for-profit companies (including CICs) registered with Companies House
- Schools (where they provide activities outside of school hours and additional to the curriculum)
- Local Authorities (where they provide youth services)
- Uniformed organisations
- Exempt charities
- Sports Clubs
The majority of awarded grants are expected to be between £5,000 and £50,000. Larger applications will be considered.
What can be applied for?
For this fund capital is defined as the costs of building improvements, buying equipment (including IT and vehicles) and furnishings. Because this funding needs to be spent by 31 March 2022, applications are expected to mainly involve purchasing equipment rather than undertaking major building work. This fund does not cover routine maintenance of assets or like-for-like replacement of existing equipment.
All applications should show how this funding will make a difference to children and young people’s lives.
Applications can be submitted from 31 January 2022 and applications will be considered on a rolling basis as they are received. The fund will close no later than 25 February 2022, but this may be sooner if all funding is allocated. Organisations are therefore encouraged to apply as soon as possible.