DEVON County Council (DCC) have launched a new £150,000 grant fund aimed at supporting and kick-starting activities, projects and schemes that will help enrich the lives of young people.

Youth groups and charitable organisations can now apply for grants of between £500 and £1,000 from the ‘Places To Go, Things To Do Youth Fund’.

It’s all part of Devon County Council’s Strategic Plan 2025–2029, which aims to create an environment for young people to thrive.

Grants are available to help support inclusive, accessible, and enriching activities for 11-25 year olds, and it follows 7000 local young people earlier this year voting in our Make Your Mark ballot.

The top issue for young people was ‘places to go and things to do’ and the Devon Youth Council has worked with the Devon County Council Communities Team to create a new grant fund.

The fund will support projects that aim to: create welcoming community spaces; encourage social connections; promote lifelong learning and skill development; build confidence and self-esteem and reduce loneliness and isolation.

The fund is being launched alongside this year’s Growing Communities Fund (GCF) – £85,000 is available this year for not-for-profit, voluntary or community groups, registered charities or social enterprises that are providing services or activities for the benefit of people and communities in Devon.

Cabinet member responsible for communities, Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, said: ‘One of the top concerns of young people is the lack of affordable activities and places to go, to have fun with friends, to relax and to try new things.

‘The scheme will be for young people and shaped by young people as they will have a say on each application and will help to decide which applications are approved’.

Full details of how to apply, including what can be funded, eligibility criteria and other requirements, are available on the Devon County Council Communities webpage.