Pathways to Independence: Care Leavers Fund 2026

📝 About the Fund

The Pathways to Independence: Care Leavers Fund is designed to support small, locally managed organisations in Northamptonshire that deliver life-changing services for young people leaving care. The funding focuses on holistic interventions that enhance independence, resilience, and opportunities for young adults aged 18–25.

💰 Benefits

• Grant Amount: Up to £8,000 per project.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this fund, your organisation must meet the following requirements:

• Be a small, locally managed VCSE organisation such as a charity, constituted community group, social enterprise (e.g., Community Interest Company - CIC), or a company limited by guarantee with charitable aims.
  • Note: Social enterprises with a person with significant control (PSC) are excluded.
• Be based in Northamptonshire.
• Have a set of written rules or constitution that contains a dissolution clause. Assistance is available for new groups to create this.
• Have safeguarding policies in place (if relevant to your work).
• Have an equalities policy in place.

📅 Application Date and Process

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Ensure your organisation is a small VCSE group based in Northamptonshire.
• Check that required policies and constitution are in place.

Step 2: Define Your Project

• Align your project with one or more of the fund priorities:
  • Mentorship
  • Life skills
  • Mental health
  • Education/employment
  • Digital inclusion
  • Empowerment
• Identify measurable outcomes to demonstrate impact.

Step 3: Prepare Application Documents

• Project proposal including objectives and timeline.
• Detailed budget plan covering staff, volunteers, activity costs, and overheads.
• Proof of legal status and constitution.
• Relevant policies (safeguarding, equalities).

Step 4: Submit Application

• Submit directly to the fund administrators following the application guidelines.
• Ensure all supporting documents are complete and correctly formatted.

📅 Application Deadline

16 March, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the fund on the Northamptonshire Community Foundation website.
• Apply directly via the application portal.

This opportunity provides a significant chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young care leavers in Northamptonshire. Ensure your organisation meets the eligibility criteria and submit a well-prepared application to maximize your chances of securing funding.

• Grant Amount: Up to £8,000 per project.