#iwill Fund: youth social action

#iwill was first launched in November 2013 by His Majesty The King (then HRH Prince of Wales) after an independent review into how different sectors could help more young people to make a positive difference. 

The #iwill movement brings together cross-sector organisations and young people who believe that all children and young people should have the chance to make a positive difference on the issues that affect their lives, their communities, and broader society.  The #iwill movement is supported by an independent coordination hub, hosted by Volunteering Matters and UK Youth. 

A few years later, the Government (DCMS) and The National Lottery Community Fund partnered, through the investment of £33 million seed funding each, for a new independent fund (‘the #iwill Fund’) that would support the creation of youth social action opportunities.

Our delivery of the #iwill Fund

Following the successful delivery of the first two phases of the #iwill Fund, UK Community Foundations is pleased to be part of a third round of funding which prioritises inspiring 10–14-year-olds to get involved in social action in their communities.  Community foundations are using match funding to double the resources available leading to a total of more than £1.4 million for the programme.

Sixteen community foundations from the UKCF network have awarded grants of up to £10,000 to groups for projects lasting up to a year. We are now in the evaluation stage of the funding round, learning from the projects and participants to inform future funding decisions and influencing other funding practices across the sector.