Solihull Youth Opportunity Fund
The Solihull Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF) is a pot of money given out to improve the provision of activities for young people. The YOF aims to identify local youth projects or activities that need funding, and to involve local young people in the decision making process.
The money is for young people in Solihull aged 13-19 years old up to 25 years with a learning difficulty and/or disability to take part in activities that they have not had the chance to do previously. The fund is managed by the YOF Forum who are a group of local young people who decide how the money is given out to projects led by young people.
In order to apply for the grant you will need to go through an application process, which will ask a bit more about your project.
The money must be used to increase the number of activities for young people and increase the number of places for young people to go. For example funding an art, dance, music or sports project, a residential trip, or you may need equipment to enable you to do more activities.
We want to encourage young people to take part in constructive activities, ‘things to do’. This could be anything from sport, cultural activities, youth projects or music projects. This means activities where you learn something, be able to do something new or perhaps spend time team building. Good community relations are definitely encouraged. Your application should consider local needs and circumstances and state how the funds will provide the opportunity for young people to shape provision which fits in with the wider community.
The money we have to spend has to be spread across the whole Borough. You are more likely to be successful if you ask for small amounts rather that a large sum. Smaller amounts also mean we can fund more great projects for you to get involved with. Other than that it is up to you. Just remember the maximum Youth Opportunity Fund amount for 2011-2012 per project is £1,500. All money for the 2011-2012 YOF must be spent by 31 March 2012. The deadline for YOF applications is the 31 December 2011.
If you application for funding is successful, you will be asked to evaluate your project. It is important that you return the evaluation forms supplied as if these are not returned, your group will not be considered for further funding. You may also receive an evaluation/inspection visit during or after your project.