Core Memories Dorset Youth Grants for Positive Youth Experiences (UK)

Deadline: 09-Oct-2026

Core Memories Dorset is a £300,000 youth-led grants programme supporting voluntary and community organisations to create positive, inclusive experiences for young people aged 14–25 in Dorset. The programme aims to help young people feel seen, supported, included and able to thrive by strengthening belonging, confidence, trusted relationships and youth voice. Round 1 has £140,000 available, with grants of £5,000, £10,000 and £25,000 for eligible voluntary and community sector organisations working with young people in Dorset.

About Core Memories Dorset

Core Memories Dorset is a youth-focused funding programme delivered by Dorset Youth and funded by YPF Trust and Henry Smith Foundation. The programme supports local organisations that understand the needs of young people and their communities. It is designed to create positive experiences that help young people: - Feel seen and supported. - Develop a stronger sense of belonging. - Build confidence. - Develop trusted relationships. - Have their voices heard. - Feel included in their communities. - Access opportunities that help them thrive. Who Does Core Memories Dorset Support? The programme focuses on young people aged 14–25 in Dorset.

Particular attention is given to

- Care-experienced young people. - LGBTQ+ young people. - Young people with learning disabilities. - Neurodiverse young people. - Young people excluded from school. - Young people at risk of school exclusion. Projects should be designed around the experiences, needs and voices of the young people they aim to support. What Types of Projects Are Supported? Core Memories Dorset supports projects that create positive experiences and meaningful opportunities for young people.

Projects should help develop:

- Belonging. - Confidence. - Trusted relationships. - Youth voice. - Inclusion. - Community connection. - Positive experiences. The programme is particularly interested in initiatives that enable young people to feel valued, connected and able to participate in their communities. Youth-Led Approach Core Memories Dorset has a strong focus on youth voice. Funded organisations should understand young people’s experiences and involve them meaningfully in activities and opportunities that affect them. The programme recognizes that local organisations are well placed to understand the communities they serve and develop experiences that are relevant to young people. Round 1 Funding The first round of Core Memories Dorset has a total of £140,000 available for voluntary and community sector organisations.

Three grant levels are available:

- £5,000: Six grants available.

- £10,000: Six grants available.

- £25,000: Two grants available.

Organisations should select the funding level that is appropriate for the scale and needs of their proposed project. Who Can Apply? The fund is intended for eligible voluntary and community sector organisations working with young people aged 14–25 in Dorset.

Applicants should:

- Operate in or serve communities in Dorset. - Work with young people aged 14–25. - Understand the needs of the young people and communities they support. - Propose activities that align with the programme’s objectives. - Demonstrate how the project will create positive and inclusive experiences. What Makes a Strong Project? A strong project should clearly explain how it will improve young people’s experiences and contribute to their wellbeing and development. Applicants should consider how their project will: - Strengthen young people’s sense of belonging. - Build confidence. - Create trusted relationships. - Increase opportunities for youth voice. - Promote inclusion. - Reach young people who may experience barriers or exclusion. - Respond to the needs of local young people. Projects should focus on meaningful outcomes rather than simply providing activities. Priority Groups While the programme supports young people aged 14–25 generally, particular consideration is given to groups that may experience additional barriers to participation and inclusion. These include care-experienced young people, LGBTQ+ young people, young people with learning disabilities or who are neurodiverse, and young people who are excluded or at risk of exclusion from school. Applicants should explain how their project will create accessible and welcoming experiences for the young people they intend to reach. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants should clearly connect their proposed activities with the aims of Core Memories Dorset.

A strong application should:

- Clearly identify the young people who will benefit. - Explain the local need or issue being addressed. - Describe the positive experiences the project will create. - Show how young people will have a voice in the project. - Explain how the project will build belonging and confidence. - Demonstrate how trusted relationships will be developed. - Explain how the project promotes inclusion. - Show that the organisation understands its local community. - Request an appropriate level of funding for the proposed work.

About the Programme Funders

Core Memories Dorset is delivered by Dorset Youth and funded by the YPF Trust and Henry Smith Foundation. The partnership supports investment in local voluntary and community organisations that work directly with young people and understand the communities in which they operate. Why Core Memories Dorset Matters Positive experiences and strong relationships can play an important role in helping young people feel connected, confident and included. Core Memories Dorset gives local voluntary and community organisations an opportunity to create these experiences for young people across Dorset, particularly those who may face barriers to participation or a greater risk of exclusion. By emphasizing youth voice, belonging, trusted relationships and inclusion, the programme aims to help young people build stronger connections with their communities and feel able to thrive. Frequently Asked Ques