The LGBT+ Fund, in partnership with the National Lottery Community Fund, is offering grants for not-for-profit organisations working with LGBT+ youth aged between 11 and 25 across England to deliver projects that help young people find moments of joy through youth work, community engagement, and local events.

Through the Youth Joy Fund, a total of £300,000 is available for projects that support LGBT+ young people to foster youth joy, belonging, and positivity building through activities, trips, and other enriching experiences. Proposed projects should achieve or more of the following outcomes:

  • Increased accessibility to safe spaces.
  • Supporting young people to gain community and friends.
  • Developing stronger networks and skills in young people.
  • Improved access to trips, events, and other recreational experiences.
  • Supporting young people to build confidence in themselves and their identity.
  • Improved education on queer communities and history.
  • Learning methods to maintain a positive life.
  • Improved physical and mental health.
  • Development of new interests and activities.

To apply, groups must be either:

  • An England-based non-profit LGBT+ organisation or youth group that currently supports young people within the age range of 11 to 25 years old (such as an LGBT+ organisation that primarily supports LGBT+ youth), or;
  • An England-based non-profit organisation or youth group that currently supports LGBT+ young people within the age range of 11 to 25 years old.

Eligible costs include:

  • Core or running costs such as staff salaries, building, rent, utilities, management, administration, and training costs,
  • Project and activity costs such as venue hire, refreshments, volunteer expenses, or participant transport costs.
  • Activities taking place in education settings such as schools, colleges, and universities.
  • Small purchases that are necessary for a project.

Priority will be given to organisations in traditionally underfunded areas within the LGBT+ sector, such as the Northeast, East, or Southwest of England, areas lacking provision, and/or work that supports intersectional LGBT+ communities (eg, those supporting LGBT+ young people with disabilities, LGBT+ global majority people, etc).

The deadline for applications is 18 November 2026 (noon).