ylag

Youth Impact Fund

Funding Overview

Highland YLAG is thrilled that our Youth Impact Fund offers funding to individuals aged 16-30 and organisations which support young people across Highland. Our Youth Impact Fund has a total pot of £25,000 to which organisations can apply for up tp £2,000 and individuals up to £500. Applications open on 1st April 2026 and will close on 15th May 2026 at 4pm.

The Youth Impact Fund is aligned to our strategic prioities which underline the action we would like to see happen in Highland to make it a better place for young people to live, work and study in. Applications to the Youth Impact Fund must contribute to at least one of these priorities:

Our Priority Scope
Connection Initiatives which strengthen bonds by bringing young people together and building friendships to establish a sense of belonging in our communities.
Fulfilment Projects that help young people explore their passions, build confidence, and experience a sense of purpose or achievement within their lives.
Development Activities that support young people to learn new skills, grow as individuals and take steps towards their future goals.
Change Ideas that empower young people to challenge inequalities, raise their voices, and create positive change in their schools, communities or beyond.

Projects funded must be able to complete activity by 31st January 2027 and report on the impact of their project by 28th February 2027. We will ask for an interim update on any funded project in October 2026.

 

Funding Criteria:

  1. Funding is available up to a maximum of £2,000 for organisations and £500 for young people aged 16-30.
  2. Applications to the Youth Impact Fund are open from 1st April 2026 and close on 15th May 2026 at 4pm.
  3. Projects must be based within the Highland CLLD boundary area. This area is the rural setting of the Highland Council region, excluding projects focusing on communities in Inverness City or Badenoch & Strathspey.
  4. The funding is intended to be for development of a project focuses on young people and aligns with one of our strategic priorities: fulfilment, development, change, connection.
  5. Organisations must provide a Fair Work First Statement.
  6. Organisational applicants should have its own registered bank account. Individual applicants must hold a bank account in their own name.
  7. It is essential that Highland YLAG receives adequate reporting and evidence of spend of the grant.
  8. Your project must complete by January 31st 2027 with a check in due 31st October 2026 and full report provided by the 28th February 2027.

 

Apply to the Youth Impact Fund:

You can find out more information about the Youth Impact Fund below, including Full Funding Guidance and the Inverness City Boundary.

To apply now please find the online funding application form linked here. If you have any difficulties with the online form or would like an alternative application method please contact us via email to enquiries@hiclimatehub.co.uk.