Youth Matters Fund: Search for Advisor for Youth Project

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is seeking a single grant recipient or a consortium to head the Youth Matters Fund. With a budget of over £400 million, this program aims to create meaningful and lasting change in the provision of youth services in underserved areas of England.

Eligibility and Requirements

The DCMS is looking for a charitable, philanthropic, or altruistic organization that has the capacity and experience to manage a grant program of this scale and complexity. Candidates must demonstrate:

• Experience in grant management and knowledge of the youth landscape.
• Robust safeguarding policies and financial management systems.
• Commitment to youth participation in the design and decision-making of the project.

Program Objectives

The Youth Matters Fund aims to:

• Rapidly improve the quality and level of youth services.
• Ensure the long-term sustainability of youth sector facilities.
• Foster meaningful local partnerships that drive sector growth.

The grant recipient, whether a single entity or consortium, will lead the program, manage the allocation of the grant, and oversee the large-scale delivery of youth services.

Grant Value and Expected Capabilities

The value of the Youth Matters Fund exceeds £400 million. The recipient is expected to have:

• A track record of managing large-scale grant programs.
• The capability to handle complex local youth sector landscapes.
• Strong safeguarding and financial governance frameworks.
• The ability to lead strategic engagement with young people.

Application Process

Read the full guidance on this page. Visit the Find a Grant portal to register. Complete the application form (attached to this page) and submit it via email to: [email protected]. For clarification questions, contact [email protected].

• Opening of applications: Friday, July 10, 2026.
• Deadline for clarification questions: Noon, July 24, 2026.
• Closing of applications: 23:59, Friday, August 21, 2026.

Additional Information

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

Published on July 10, 2026. Last updated on August 13, 2026.