The importance of young people’s involvement in grant funding

By Yasmin Hewitt, a member of our Future Communities Collective.

Young people aren’t just the future. We’re the now. And we’re changing how funding works.

The Co-op Foundation believes that communities thrive when everyone has a voice. That’s why we launched the Future Communities Fund, a new way of funding that puts young people at the heart of decision-making.

We’re not just talking about youth involvement, we’re living it. As members of the Future Communities Collective, we’re leading the way in how grants are given, how priorities are set, and how change is made.

Why youth involvement matters

Too often, decisions about young people are made without us. That’s a problem. We know our communities. We know what works. And we know what needs to change. When young people are involved in funding decisions, we bring fresh ideas, lived experience, and a deep understanding of what’s really going on.

Research backs this up. A 2023 report by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation found that youth-led grantmaking leads to more relevant, impactful funding. It also builds trust between funders and communities. We’re not just a ticking box, we’re shaping the future we want to live in.

A new way of funding

The Future Communities Fund is different. Here’s how:

• Participatory: Young people lead the grant-giving process.
• Unrestricted: The foundation funds organisations, not just projects.
• Long-term: They commit for up to five years.
• Trusting: They listen and adapt to what partners need.
• Accessible: They’ve simplified the application process.
• Supportive: They help groups grow and share their stories.
• Co-operative: They connect partners to learn and work together.

It’s not just about giving money. It’s about building power.

Who we’re supporting

In round one, we backed organisations working on youth activism and diversity, equality and inclusion. These are priorities we, as young people, chose.

Now, in round two, we’re focusing on groups helping young people with experience of the justice system. These young people often face stigma and exclusion. We want to change that.

By funding organisations that help them reconnect with their communities, we’ve investing in second chances and in a fairer future.

What we’ve learned

Working with HUDL Youth Development Agency, we’ve grown as leaders. We’ve learned how to challenge, how to listen, and how to lead with care and consideration. We’ve also seen how powerful it is when funders trust young people. It’s not always easy. It takes time, training, and a willingness to let go of control. But the results speak for themselves.

What about the risks?

Some people worry that young people don’t have enough experience to lead funding decisions. But that’s exactly why we need support, not sidelining. We’re not doing this alone. We’re supported by experts, mentors and each other. We’re proving that with the right tools, young people can lead with impact.

What you can do

If you work in funding, youth work or community development, ask yourself:

• Are young people involved in your decisions?
• Are you funding their ideas, not just their participation?
• Are you ready to share power?

If the answer is no, it’s time to change that.

Final word

Young people aren’t waiting to be asked. We’re already leading. The question is – will you join us?

We’re now open for round two. If your organisation supports young people with experience of the justice system, apply here.