The Link Tees Valley Ltd is proud to have been awarded #iwill funding by County Durham Community Foundation made possible thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund and DCMS.
Following the successful delivery of the first two phases of the #iwill Fund, County Durham Community Foundation is pleased to announce a third round of funding which will prioritise inspiring 10–14-year-olds to get involved in social action in Tees Valley. County Durham Community Foundation will use match funding to double the resources available leading to total funding of more than £1.4m for the programme.
The #iwill movement brings together cross-sector organisations and young people who believe that all children and young people should have the chance to make a positive difference on the issues that affect their lives, their communities, and broader society. The #iwill Fund supports this movement and is made possible thanks to £66 million joint investment from The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The #iwill Fund helps create opportunities for young people to get involved in social action by developing their skills and potential, and their communities where they gain the confidence to make a positive contribution.
County Durham Community Foundation, along with fifteen other community foundations from the UKCF network, will award grants of up to £10,000 to groups for projects lasting up to a year. The Foundation aims to fund both new and well-established groups, and to encourage young people who are new to social action, focusing particularly on the 10-14 age range.
Examples of projects funded in earlier funding rounds include intergenerational volunteering programmes, environmental initiatives and involving young people in the design and delivery of community activities.
Rosemary Macdonald, CEO of UK Community Foundations commented,
“Young people are the future of our communities. By encouraging 10–14-year-olds to get involved in social action and see the benefits for themselves and their communities, we are creating strong foundations for the future.”
Michelle Cooper, CEO of County Durham Community Foundation, said: “The #iwill movement confirms our view that young people have so much to offer. By funding projects driven by and for young people, we are investing in their confidence and skills as young leaders. I am excited to see this year’s applications, and to watch them come to life.”
For more information, please contact:
Alison Goulding, communications and development manager for County Durham Community Foundation, on 074779838228.