Youth Futures Grants Announced
On a sunny Thursday evening in Camden Town, under the kind of blue skies that inspire optimism, a group of Camden citizens aged between 16 and 25 came together and awarded £320,000 to 4 youth services. Their mission was clear: to change the unequal systems that hinder young people from reaching their full potential.
We have been collaborating with this group for 4 months, as they took the grantmaking baton from 50 other young people who have shaped the fund up to this point. We received applications totaling £1.8 million, and the group worked diligently to select an exceptional list of 4 grantees who have a proven track record of youth-led change. Over the next 3 years, they will further develop their impactful work. The grantees are:
Somali Youth Development Resource Centre: Support for their youth programs, including coding, volunteering, and a youth-led leadership programme.
St Mary Community Centre: Support for improving young people's mental health, working with the police on 'stop and search,' and empowering young people to influence the Mayor's office regarding knife crime policy.
Kings Cross Community Association: Funding for MMA sessions, social action initiatives, and providing healthy in-house meals.
Corams Fields: Support for their ongoing collaboration with Camden and Islington NHS Trust to merge traditional psychology and youth work, assisting young people at risk of youth violence.
These grants reflect the aspirations of young people in the borough for meaningful change in civil society. Camden Giving owes a great debt of gratitude to the group of young people who have dedicated their evenings to envisioning a better future. They have generously given their time and their hearts to this cause, and everyone in Camden benefits from their efforts.
This fund has been made possible thanks to the support of businesses, individuals, and foundations who recognize the power of young people taking the lead. However, there is still more to be done in Camden. If you would like to join us in empowering local people by contributing power and resources, please email lucy@camdengiving.org.uk.
For press enquiries contact lucy@camdengiving.org.uk 07471 756819. Full Press Release Here.