If you've got a great idea for a project that will benefit young people in your community and you're aged 15 to 30, you're in luck. There's funding available from the British Council under a scheme called Youth in Action: Youth Initiatives. Read on to find out how to apply.

What is a Youth in Action Youth Initiative?

A Youth Initiative is a project that is created and run by young people. Open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 30 (or 15-18 as long as you have help from an adult), this funding offers you the chance to learn about organising, taking responsibility and managing the budget of your own project. Once you've got the funding you are in charge and have total control over how the project develops. But you don't have to go it alone. Most people enlist the help of a coach to support them.

What type of project?

 Providing your project is relevant to the local community, you can do pretty much anything you like from forming a weekly discussion group, to running a football coaching project or running dance and music classes.  

Together with six friends Catherine Mugonyi, from Blackpool, created Aunty Social, a cultural club where young people can get involved in craft workshops, watch films and socialise. "I was looking for something for young people to do in the evening that didn't involve going to the pub," she says.

How to apply for funding for a Youth in Action Youth Initiative

First, Catherine and team publicised the idea through Facebook. "Once we knew they'd be a demand for it we approached a youth worker, Buzz Bury, and looked into applying for a Youth in Action grant."

It's not vital to use a coach, but having someone who helps with the application process, and offers support throughout the duration of the project can make life easier.

Coaches are great for helping navigate the tricky application forms and ensuring you've got all the right documents.  "Buzz made sure we'd completed it down to the tiniest detail," says Catherine.

Setting up a project

Before your project gets off the ground there may be practical things to consider, such as sorting out any insurance you might need, setting up a bank account, and working out the costs of essentials, like equipment, a hall or materials (to find out more about Catherine's project, visit the British Council website).

"We didn't have a bank account set up when we applied, so this delayed funding. We also had to learn about public screening licences for showing films for our 'picture house', as well as find a location. Lucky for us the local library has a perfect room with a massive screen, and best of all, it's free."

Your coach will be able to help you with the practical issues, plus there should be advice available from local Community Interest Companies (like social enterprises for example). Don't be afraid to approach local businesses for help. "We host our craft sessions in our local café – it's good for them and great for us, so everyone benefits," says Catherine.

Skills and delegation

Everyone involved in your Youth Initiative project will have a skill to offer, the challenge is to delegate effectively. Catherine worked out jobs according to the volunteers' interests. "From the techie stuff to setting up craft workshops, everyone's doing something they enjoy."

Catherine looks after the website and pulls everything together. She has also taken the role of accountant. "I had no experience of accounting before but juggling the budget has been interesting – I've had to learn pretty quick," she says.

Learning along the way

Setting out your project's goals is a requirement of a Youth Initiative. "Everything's on track now, but we've had a few hitches along the way," says Catherine. "The library wasn't open on time, so the picture house was on hold, plus the DJ we hired for our DJ workshop moved away, so we had to find someone else. There's nothing quite like learning on your feet."

What can I gain from running a Youth Initiative project

Being involved in the community, meeting new people, and learning new skills are just a few of the benefits of being involved in a Youth in Action project. "My confidence has grown so much, and I feel that what I'm doing is valued," says Catherine. "The more workshops we put on, the more our participants blog, tweet, and come up with more ideas for activities, they love it."

Catherine's tips for starting a Youth Initiative

- "Feedback is essential," says Catherine. Make sure you do a bit of reearch locally to make sure your project is actually of interest.

-  Speak to youth workers about the practical issues, and get a coach to help you fill out the form.

- Get your 'housekeeping' in order before you make the application. "Make sure you set up the bank account and get your paper work sorted out, it will save a lot of hassle when you're trying to get your project up and running," says Catherine.

- Spread the word in your community. Once people know what you're doing you'll be surprised at how generous they can be. Catherine explains: "It's amazing how many people and organisations out there want to help and support you."

How to get involved in a Youth Initiative

Want to set up your own Youth in Action project? To apply, visit the British Council's website or speak to your local youth organisation to see if they are already running a Youth in Action project. For support with your application if you are England, contact the National Youth Agency or email yia@nya.org.uk. If you are in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, details of who to contact can be found on the British Council website. 

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