Guidance

Youth Matters Fund: delivery partner competition

Information on the Youth Matters Fund delivery partner competition and how to apply.

• From: Department for Culture, Media and Sport
• Published: 10 July 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Youth Matters Fund: delivery partner competition guidance

HTML

Youth Matters Fund: delivery partner application form

ODT, 3.12 MB

This file is in an OpenDocument format

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@dcms.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

Summary/purpose

DCMS is seeking a single grant recipient (or consortium) to lead the Youth Matters Fund (YMF). This £400 million+ programme is committed to delivering significant, long-term change in youth provision across underserved areas in England.

Eligibility

We are seeking a charitable, benevolent, or philanthropic organisation with the capacity, capability, and experience to manage a grant programme of this scale and complexity. Applicants must be able to demonstrate:

• expertise in grant management and the youth sector landscape
• robust safeguarding policies and financial management systems
• a strong commitment to meaningful youth engagement in project design and decision-making

Objectives

Background

Delivering significant, long-term change in youth provision across underserved areas in England.

Overview

The YMF aims to achieve rapid improvements in the quality and level of youth services, long-term sustainability of youth sector facilities, and meaningful local partnerships that drive sector growth.

Role of the delivery partner

The successful recipient (single or consortium) will lead the programme, manage the grant allocation, and oversee large-scale youth service delivery.

Grant value

The Youth Matters Fund (YMF) is a commitment of over £400 million.

Expected capabilities of grant recipient

Expected capabilities of the grant recipient are:

• track record of managing large-scale grant programmes
• proven ability to manage complex youth sector landscapes in localities
• robust safeguarding and financial governance frameworks
• capacity to lead strategic youth engagement

How to apply

1. Read the full guidance on this page.

2. Visit the Find a Grant platform to register.

3. Complete and submit your application online through the Find a Grant portal (search ‘Youth Matters Fund’).

For clarification questions, contact ymf@dcms.gov.uk

Dates

• Applications open: Friday 10 July 2026
• Clarification questions deadline: Midday, 24 July 2026
• Applications close: 23:59, Friday 21 August 2026

Supporting information

The contents of this documentation are subject to change. This does not constitute a commitment to award a grant. Applicants are responsible for their own costs incurred in the application process.

Published 10 July 2026