This programme will reopen with a revised funding strategy to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people across the UK.

The Foundation will award £1m in 2024 and expects to make 8 to 12 grants.

It will support work led by and for young people who are underrepresented in arts and culture, encouraging them to use their creativity to improve their lives, careers, and the world around them.

This includes young people who are D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent, experiencing racial inequity, economically or educationally disadvantaged, have migration or care experience, or identify as LGBT+.

They want to support organisations and work that:

• is driven and shaped by young people (mostly aged 14 – 30) so they can build their confidence and skills
• understands and can demonstrate a track record of centring the voices of young people from communities underrepresented in arts and culture
• prioritises the joy and care of young people
• uses art and creativity as a tool for young people to use their voice and influence change in their own lives and the world around them
• is driving change for the future either by doing something new, or by using tried and tested models to push things forward.

Requests for multi-year grants of up to £120,000 will be considered for project/core costs.

Partnerships are welcomed.

The deadline for expressions of interest is 5pm on 15 March 2024.

Shortlisting for Second Stage applications will be advised in May and final the final deadline for full applications is end-May/June 2024.

For full details, visit the Esmee Fairbairn Youth-Led Creativity Funding webpage.