Power to Act

Youth Philanthropy & Social Action Grantmaking Programme

Context

LFT’s vision is of a just world where people have equal opportunity to transform their lives, participate in their communities and build successful futures.

We believe that young people have a vital role to play in shaping that future and should be supported not only as beneficiaries of funding, but as active participants in decisions that affect their lives and communities.

Such social action involves people working together to address community issues, support others or create positive change. It can range from simple acts of kindness and volunteering to organised campaigns for social reform.

Through this funding, we seek to empower young people to realise their potential, strengthen community connections and help build more inclusive and resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity to participate and thrive.

About Us

LFT Charitable Trust is a Belfast based family foundation offering small grants and support.

Our priority is to fund partner organisations which make a lasting difference to people’s lives; focus on reducing isolation, inequality and stigma; and inspire and empower individuals to realise their potential and share in the life of the whole community.

Objective of the Power to Act: Youth Philanthropy & Social Action Grantmaking Programme

We are inviting youth organisations to apply for funding to design and deliver a youth-led philanthropy and social action programme for young people aged 14–25. Rather than learning about social change in theory, participants should be supported to practise it – making choices, reflecting on impact and learning from both successes and challenges.

This funding will support organisations to create their own programme to enable young people to explore philanthropy in its broadest sense – giving money, volunteering time, sharing skills and taking social action to address issues they care about.

The proposed programme should empower young people to become thoughtful, informed, and active contributors to society while strengthening youth voice, leadership and civic engagement.

Application Process

We are particularly interested in applications that demonstrate:

• Strong youth voice and leadership
• Creative and well-structured programme design
• Commitment to learning through experience
• Tangible benefit to local communities
• Promotion of long-term civic engagement and community involvement of young people

Examples of activities or projects that could be considered include:

• The distribution of a small grant fund
• The design and delivery of a community project in response to a local issue
• Local volunteering opportunities
• An education & training initiative
• A youth-led specific issue campaign

As with all funders, it is likely that demand will exceed available funds and so this will be a competitive process. Criteria used to assess applications will include:

• Previous relevant experience supporting young people and promoting impactful social action
• Programme Outline and Rationale
• Number of beneficiaries (both direct & indirect) anticipated
• Impact expected and how this will be measured (with preference given to applications that propose the use of validated tools)
• Projects that prioritise collaborative working with parents and the local community
• Value for Money

Applications for grants of up to £7,000 are invited.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 12 noon 18th September 2026.

Applications should be made by email to grants@lftcharitabletrust.com. All applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application no later than 31 October 2026.

Eligibility

Funding may be used to support:

• Staff / facilitator time
• Youth workshops and sessions
• Programme design and delivery costs
• A youth-led funding pot for grants, activities, or community projects
• Costs related to volunteering or skills-based social action
• Evaluation, reflection and celebration activities

Applications are welcome from organisations:

• registered with the Charity Commission for NI
• working directly with young people aged 14–25

Additionally:

Project delivery should not exceed 12 months, all projects should be complete by 31 December 2027..

Only activity taking place in Northern Ireland will be considered.

Only expenditure incurred for the purposes of the project and that can be directly attributed to the expected outputs/outcomes will be eligible.

Financial commitments are envisaged from 1st November with a requirement to commence project delivery no later than 1st January 2027.

Reporting & Evaluation

LFT welcome the opportunity to visit the project during the delivery period and will seek an impact report from funded projects on completion of the project.

Enquiries at any stage of the application process are welcomed by the Secretariat. Grantmaking decisions are made by LFT Board of Trustees.

Application Form

1. Open the application form — it will open in your web browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari or similar).
2. Fill it in at your own pace. Your answers are saved automatically in your browser as you type — you’ll see a small “Draft saved” message appear at the top of the page.
3. Take a break any time. You can close the tab or shut your laptop and come back later. As long as you reopen the same file, in the same browser, on the same device, your answers will still be there.
4. When you’re ready to submit, click the Print / Save as PDF button at the top of the form, save it as a PDF, and email it to grants@lftcharitabletrust.com.