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Youth Matters Fund
Funding
£300,000,000 – £416,800,000
Deadline
22 August 2026
Location
England
Applications
Applications closed
Overview
The Youth Matters Fund is a major government programme worth over £400 million. It aims to improve youth services in underserved areas across England. DCMS is looking for a single organisation or consortium to lead the entire programme. The successful applicant will manage the funding and oversee large-scale youth service delivery. The goal is better quality youth services, more sustainable facilities, and stronger local partnerships. The deadline to apply is 22 August 2026.
Requirements to check
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- Must be a single organisation or consortium
- Must be able to lead and manage the full programme
- Must oversee large-scale youth service delivery across England
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
This is for a single organisation or consortium with the capacity to manage a £400 million+ programme across England. You must be able to lead large-scale youth service delivery and oversee grant allocation. It is not for individual local youth clubs or small organisations applying on their own.
Regions
Awards published
7,882
Typical award
£27,168
Most awards
£12,670 to £175,000
Most funded region
London
348 awards in 2025, down from 2,843 the year before.
Recent awards include Greater Manchester Combined Authority (£30,000, 2025), Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council (£969,519, 2025) and Calderdale Council (£35,514, 2025).
Contains data from 360Giving publishers, used under open licence.
Full details from Department for Culture, Media and Sport
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is seeking a single grant recipient (or consortium) to lead the Youth Matters Fund (YMF). This £400 million+ programme is committed to delivering significant, long-term change in youth provision across underserved areas in England. The YMF aims to achieve rapid improvements in the quality and level of youth services, long-term sustainability of youth sector facilities, and meaningful local partnerships that drive sector growth. The successful recipient (single or consortium) will lead the programme, manage the grant allocation, and oversee large-scale youth service delivery.
DCMS is seeking a single grant recipient or consortium to lead the programme. You should apply as one organisation or as a group of organisations working together. Check the DCMS website for full application details and requirements ahead of the 22 August 2026 deadline.
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Last updated: 22 August 2026