Lead the Change
Supporting young people to tackle division in their communities
This fund is no longer accepting applications. Following phase one of the fund there will be further funding opportunities through phase two, expected in 2027.
About the fund
Lead the Change is a £3.4m collaborative fund that supports young people to tackle hate and division in their communities.
We’re proud to join BBC Children in Need, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Henry Smith Foundation, Joseph Levy Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Postcode Justice Trust, UK Community Foundations and The National Lottery Community Fund to launch a fund that addresses the systemic issues causing division in communities through amplifying young people’s voices and nurturing young community leaders.
Supporting young people to lead the change
Young people are critical to rebuilding communities. Lead the Change is designed to provide safe, supportive spaces where young people can come together to share experiences, build positive relationships, and take the lead in breaking down division.
The initiative will:
- Create safe physical spaces for young people to meet and connect
- Build their leadership, confidence and community-organising skills
- Help them challenge misinformation and harmful narratives
- Support community-led projects shaped directly by young people
What’s next?
Lead the Change will be delivered by 17 community foundations across the UK through a place-based model over two phases.
Phase one is taking place in 2026 and will award 20 grants of £123,353 over three years to support targeted localities that were directly affected by the summer 2024 riots and correspond to areas where young people are most affected by community division and where local organisations are best placed to deliver targeted support and impact. The application window for phase one has now closed.
During 2026, the participating community foundations will seek to raise additional investment to grow the overall fund to £5.5 million. This expansion will support phase two in 2027, which will provide further funding in the form of small grants to grassroots organisations for up to two years.
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