Young Manchester

Could Young Manchester fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.

Typical grants: £5,000 – £50,000
Where they fund: Manchester
Applications: Accepted
How to apply: Two-stage application
Decisions: Monthly

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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About Young Manchester

Young Manchester is a youth-led charitable partnership established in 2016, dedicated to strengthening opportunities for children and young people aged 0-25 in Manchester. Founded with investment from Manchester City Council and the #iwillFund, it operates as an umbrella body for numerous member organisations, from grassroots groups to larger institutions. Its youth-led governance, featuring young trustees and participatory decision-making, drives values of empowerment, systems change, youth voice, and equitable access. The organisation prioritises holistic development in life skills, education, employability, health, wellbeing, and social action.

What Young Manchester funds

Young Manchester supports projects in youth social action, play and recreation, mental health, advocacy, education, and employability. It funds direct services such as clubs, volunteering, and creative programmes for marginalised Manchester youth. The charity focuses on children and young people facing poverty, exclusion, disability, or social disadvantage, and all work must serve residents of Manchester. Funding can cover project costs, core costs, and capacity building activities.

Who can apply

Grants are available to voluntary, community, social enterprise, or faith-based groups that are based in or serve Manchester residents. Preference is given to UK-registered charities and organisations that demonstrate meaningful youth leadership in their design and delivery. The charity prioritises work with children and young people aged 0-25, particularly those experiencing poverty, exclusion, disability, or social disadvantage.

What Young Manchester doesn't fund

Young Manchester does not fund capital expenditure, religious activities, or pass-through funding arrangements. These exclusions ensure that grants directly benefit young people through programme delivery rather than infrastructure or proselytising.

How they like to fund

Young Manchester employs a distinctive participatory grant-making approach, combining local systems advocacy with collective impact. The charity supports both project costs and core costs, and welcomes unsolicited applications from eligible organisations.

How much does Young Manchester give?

£5,000 – £50,000

Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

Children & youthEducationMental healthSport & recreation

How to apply to Young Manchester

Young Manchester takes applications via two-stage application.

Decisions are typically monthly.
Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.

How it works

1
Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
2
See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
3
Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.

See if Young Manchester could be a fit. Draft if yes.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Young Manchester provide?

Young Manchester typically provides grants of £5,000 - £50,000.

Where does Young Manchester fund charities?

Young Manchester funds charities operating in Manchester.

Does Young Manchester accept unsolicited applications?

Young Manchester accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.

How do I apply for funding from Young Manchester?

Young Manchester takes applications via two-stage application. Decisions are typically monthly.