Lead the Change
A £3.4m collaborative fund supporting young people to tackle division in their communities
This fund is currently closed to applications. Phase two of the programme is expected in 2027.
About the fund
Lead the Change is a £3.5m collaborative fund that supports young people to tackle division and build connection in their communities.
The three-year initiative is funded by BBC Children in Need, Co-op Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Henry Smith Foundation, Joseph Levy Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Postcode Justice Trust, UK Community Foundations and the #iwill Fund by The National Lottery Community Fund.
Phase one
We have supported 21 organisations across the UK with £2.6m to support local projects that will empower young people to build stronger connections within their communities, address division and drive positive social change.
The 21 youth-led projects were selected by a panel of young people, aged 19-25, from across the UK, bringing a diverse range of backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences to the decision-making process.
The funded organisations will work alongside young people to create safe and inclusive spaces, support youth-led social action, build leadership skills, and encourage meaningful participation in community life. Through workshops, mentoring, community projects, and opportunities to influence decision-making, young people will be empowered to challenge harmful narratives, strengthen positive relationships, and drive change in their local communities.
What’s next?
Lead the Change is being delivered by 17 community foundations across the UK through a place-based model over two phases.
Phase one took place in 2026 awarding £2.6m to 21 organisations in targeted localities that were directly affected by the summer 2024 riots.
Now the participating community foundations are raising additional investment to grow the overall fund to £5.5 million to support phase two in 2027. Phase two will provide further funding in the form of small grants to grassroots organisations for up to two years.
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