Federation of London Youth Clubs

The Federation of London Youth Clubs, publicly known as London Youth, is a historic charity established in 1887 with roots in the 19th-century ragged schools movement, evolving through a 1999 merger to champion inclusive youth provision across London. Its mission is to support and challenge young people under 25 to reach their potential by providing safe spaces, development opportunities, and trusted relationships amid declining public youth services. Operating a membership network of over 600 community-based clubs and two outdoor centres (Hindleap Warren and Woodrow High House), it emphasizes a bottom-up, collective impact approach, member-led governance, capacity building, and evidence-based youth work that fosters confidence, resilience, wellbeing, employability, leadership, and community engagement—prioritizing those facing poverty, exclusion, or limited access.

London Youth funds grassroots, community-led projects and organisations delivering high-quality youth work in themes like employability, sport, arts, youth social action, mental health, and outdoor learning. Supported activities include mentoring, physical initiatives, training bursaries, quality marks, advocacy, and occasional core or capital grants, with outcomes benefiting over 700,000 young Londoners annually through direct participation and sector development.

Eligibility is restricted to member organisations (no unsolicited applications from non-members) delivering youth services exclusively in Greater London’s 32 boroughs and City of London; national charities qualify only for London-specific work, with preference for small/medium charities (typical income £10,000–£1,000,000). Typical grants range from £1,750–£50,000 (up to £250,000 for strategic projects), via programme-specific online forms with periodic deadlines (e.g., March annually, November for Getting Active). Decisions follow 2–6 weeks post-deadline. Distinctively, it avoids non-London or non-youth work, standing out for its specialist London focus, historical independence, and mantra that “good youth work works.”