The Youth Joy Fund, delivered by the LGBT+ Fund powered by Consortium, offers grants to organisations supporting LGBT+ young people across England. Backed by £300,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund, the programme aims to help young people experience joy, belonging, positive relationships and improved wellbeing through community-based activities.
Grants of £5,000 to £25,000 are available for projects, trips, youth work, community engagement and other enriching experiences. The fund puts LGBT+ young people at the centre of decision-making and particularly welcomes work in underfunded areas and projects supporting LGBT+ young people who face additional barriers to inclusion. Applications close on 18 November 2026 at 12 noon.
Requirements:
- Location: Applicants must be based in England.
- Eligible organisations: Non-profit LGBT+ organisations, youth groups and other non-profit organisations delivering LGBT+ youth provision.
- Beneficiaries: LGBT+ young people aged 11–25.
- Existing provision: Applicants must already deliver LGBT+ youth work and have at least two years’ experience delivering youth work.
- LGBT+ leadership: Work with LGBT+ young people must be led by LGBT+ people. Organisations that are not exclusively LGBT+-focused may still be eligible if they can demonstrate relevant existing provision and LGBT+ leadership.
- Governance: Applicants must be able to provide supporting documents, including a constitution, accounts, bank account details and safeguarding policy, as applicable to the fund’s requirements.
- Non-profit status: Profit-making organisations cannot apply.
- Consortium membership: Organisations do not need to be members of Consortium to apply.
- Previous funding: Previous or current LGBT+ Fund grant recipients can apply, provided they have met relevant monitoring and reporting requirements. Applications to other funds are also permitted where they cover separate work.
- Priority communities: The fund particularly welcomes work in areas with limited LGBT+ provision and projects supporting intersectional LGBT+ communities, including LGBT+ young people with disabilities and LGBT+ young people from global majority communities.
Funding Priorities:
The fund prioritises projects that help LGBT+ young people experience joy, build self-acceptance, strengthen relationships and feel connected to their communities. It particularly seeks to reach communities that have historically received less funding or have limited access to LGBT+ youth services. Projects should be led by LGBT+ people and give young people a meaningful role in shaping activities, with particular consideration for young people facing intersecting barriers or exclusion
What They Will Fund:
Funding can support projects and activities that create positive experiences and stronger connections for LGBT+ young people, including:
- LGBT+ youth groups and community activities.
- Trips and outings that build friendships and a sense of belonging.
- Social events and opportunities to meet other LGBT+ young people.
- Creative, cultural and recreational activities.
- Youth work that builds confidence, self-acceptance and positive identity.
- Activities that improve young people’s connection to local LGBT+ communities.
- Inclusive projects supporting LGBT+ young people with disabilities or other intersecting needs.
- Community engagement and activities shaped by LGBT+ young people.
- Other enriching experiences that support wellbeing, connection and belonging.
Applications should explain what the funding will pay for, how young people will benefit and how the proposed activities respond to the needs of the LGBT+ young people involved. Applicants should check the fund guidance for detailed cost eligibility
What They Won’t Fund:
The fund’s published eligibility criteria and FAQs indicate that it will not support:
- Profit-making organisations or groups.
- Applicants based outside England.
- Work that does not specifically support LGBT+ young people aged 11–25.
- Provision that is not led by LGBT+ people.
- Organisations without the required governance and safeguarding arrangements.
- Applications for the same work or costs already funded through another grant.
The programme is focused on LGBT+ youth-specific provision. A general youth project that LGBT+ young people can attend is unlikely to be sufficient unless the application demonstrates dedicated LGBT+ support and meets the fund’s leadership requirements. Applicants should consult the guidance for any additional restrictions on expenditure.
How To Apply:
You can apply using the button below through their online application form.
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