![[ad] Great Fundraising Masterclass Glasgow June 2026. Revolutionise.com](https://fundraising.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Great-Fundraising-Masterclass-Glasgow-20260618-728x90-1.png.webp)
New panel of young people to make funding decisions
Howard Lake | 10 October 2018 | News
A new judging panel made up of 13-24 year olds will take decisions on the funding of young people’s projects throughout the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.
Council and the Big Lottery Fund have come together and are investing £100,000 in the new ‘Change Something‘ project in the run up to ‘Youth 19’ – a year dedicated to young people in the North West.
The ‘Change Something Fund’ – delivered by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland through the Acorn Fund – is one of a series of opportunities for young people to bring their hopes and aspirations to life during Youth 19.
Advertisement
A total of £100,000 is available in the fund where grants from £500 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 young people and will make a difference in their local community.
After training, the first of two open calls for funding applications will be made by the panel for young people aged 13-24 throughout the city and district to apply for grants.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr John Boyle said:
“This is a very worthwhile project which is allowing young people to take a lead role in bringing positive change to their community. Indeed, it not only offers valuable experience to the young people who have been selected to manage and judge the fund – but will also allow young people throughout the city and district to take ownership of Youth 19 by turning their proposals into reality.”
Joanne McDowell, Big Lottery Fund NI Director, said:
“We’re already putting people in the lead in communities across Northern Ireland, and the Change Something Fund allows us to do that with young people in the North West. Real change happens when people have a say in the decisions affecting their lives. We’re really excited to see how National Lottery funding will support young people to be the change they want to see in their communities.”
Related posts
New NI community grant scheme opens
Funder’s Den offers BAMER-led charities chance to pitch to grant makers
Brevio data reveals causes with greatest disparity between funding needs & available grants
£10,000 grants available from Heart Research UK, & other funding opportunities
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.