PLEASE NOTE: Youth Organisations should be aware that all funding awards open for applications are:
Subject to budget from the Department of Education
Subject to change as a result of partnership work
Subject to change based on the DE review of Youth Work Policy
Subject to the outcome of the Task and Finish Group on SEND
Supporting local youth work organisations to bring about positive change to the quality of youth work delivery based on assessed need and a strength based approach to planning and delivery.
Availability: For up to 3 years
Funding Size: As outlined in Funding Opportunity
Current Funding Submission Information
Application Closing Date:
Friday 28th November 2025 at 4pm
Regional Strategic Funding Guidance & Information
All Regional Voluntary Youth Organisations registered with the Education Authority Youth Service, with proven track record of supporting EA registered local youth organisations in the delivery of quality youth work are eligible to apply.
We want to support Regional Voluntary Youth Organisations who will bring about positive change to the quality of local youth work delivery. This will be achieved through providing funding for;
- Governance; support for local youth organisations and their management committees
- Curriculum; support for local youth organisations in the development of their programme of youth work activities and projects
- Representation and Collaboration; to work with and represent member organisations
- Workforce Development; support member organisations in relation their staff, staff training and development
- Safeguarding & Child Protection; support member organisations to ensure they are appropriately trained in safeguarding and child protection practices
- Quality Assurance; support member organisations to provide high quality reflective youth work practice with effective quality assurance processes
- Youth Work Outcomes; support member organisations to report effectively on Engagement Framework and Outcomes Framework
All Funding Will Be Based On;
- Assessed need as identified in the Regional Assessment of Need and Regional Youth Development Plan
- Strength-based approaches to youth work and the development of programmes and projects that will be positive and build resilience in young people.
When Will This Funding Be Available?
Funding Opportunities will be publicly advertised on the EA Funding . There will be availability of up to 3 years funding.
What Can I Use This Funding For?
You can use this funding for core costs associated with the following;
- Staffing Salaries
- Programme Development
- Overheads
How Do I Apply For This Funding?
You can apply for Regional Strategic funding here.
How Will I Account For The Funding?
You will be required to complete:
- An Income and Expenditure form by 30th April each year or at the end of project
- EA Financial Verification
- EA Target Monitor on agreed outcomes – Engagement Framework, Outreach/Detached Framework and Youth Work Outcome Framework
- EA Moderation
Application Form Questions
Please Click Here to download the Assessment Criteria for responses for application form questions
Please Click here to download a copy of the Guidance notes for Regional Strategic Funding Application submissions.
Other Supporting Guidance for Applicants
Our Funding and Assurance Officers are holding a number of support workshops for organisations to attend. These will be held online using Microsoft Teams.
Dates:
Friday 7 November 2025 at 10am
Thursday 13 November 2025 at 2pm
To register for a workshop, click here.
Funding Opportunities
