Grants now available for young people to 'Change Something' in their local community

The first open call for applications to the new 'Change Something Fund' has been launched this week – and organisers are encouraging young people aged 13-24 throughout the Derry City and Strabane District Council area to apply for grants.

The Change Something Fund is your chance to change something in your local community by awarding grants to young people's projects.

It is part of Youth 19 and is funded by Council in partnership with the Big Lottery Fund, and is being delivered by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland's Acorn Fund.

A total of £100,000 is available in the new Change Something Fund where grants from £200 to £3,000 will be available to young people aged 13-24 who submit applications. ​

'Change Something' activities can be any project or initiative that is important to you and that will make a difference in your local community.

The first open call for the Change Something Fund has been launched this week following the training of a 14-strong judging panel made up of 13-24 year olds who will take funding decisions on the grant applications submitted.

Welcoming this week's launch, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr John Boyle said: "I'm delighted to see the launch of the first open call for the Change Something Fund – and would encourage young people throughout the City and District to apply!

"This really is a fantastic initiative which allows young people to take a lead role in bringing positive change to their community.

"It will not only allow our young people to be the change they want to see in their communities, but also take ownership of Youth 19 by turning imaginative proposals into reality!"

Magali Wing, one of the young judging panel members, added: "I have really enjoyed working as a team to develop the criteria for the Change Something Fund. The key criteria includes ensuring that your application compliments the themes of Youth 19, the activity must take place in the Council area and during 2019. I'm also really looking forward to hearing what young people want to change in their community and how this fund will support them to do it".

To apply to the new Change Something Fund visit youth19.com/change_something

The closing date for the first open call for applications to the Change Something Fund is 5pm on 7th November 2018.

For further information and updates on the Change Something Fund visit youth19.com

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