This programme is now closed. We expect it to re-open in February 2023.
Grants up to £300 for educational enrichment activities.
The West Somerset Youth Trust Fund offers grants to encourage young people aged 14 – 25 to enrich their education.
Grants are usually awarded for up to 25% of the total cost of a trip or activity, with a maximum grant size of £300. A larger percentage of the costs will be considered if the young person, or their parents/carers, are in receipt of means-tested benefits.
Grants can be used to pay for course or event fees, travel costs, equipment or materials. Previous grants have been awarded to attend international scouting jamborees, gap year trips, work experience placements, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, and workshops at the National Youth Theatre.
Who can apply for money?
You can apply if you
- live in West Somerset or have close ties to the area (this excludes Taunton and the former area of Taunton Deane)
- are aged between 14 – 25
- are able to provide the details of a suitable referee (e.g. a tutor)
- are able to provide evidence of means-tested benefits (if applicable)
We welcome applications from students to subsidise trips organised by your college or school, but we cannot support activities that are part of the normal curriculum.
How long does it take to get the money?
We will let you know the outcome of your application by the end of May.
If your application is successful, the grant must be used within 12 months of being offered and you must let us know how the grant helped you.
Grants are paid by bank transfer once you have agreed to the terms and conditions of the award.
Where does the money come from?
The West Somerset Youth Trust transferred their Fund to Somerset Community Foundation in 2016 and we have been managing the Fund since then. The Fund was placed in an endowment and a small sum of interest is received each year and used to award 3 or 4 grants.
How do I apply for money?
When this programme is open, you will be able to access the online application form by clicking on the ‘Apply for a grant’ box at the bottom of this page. Please contact us if you can’t use the online form. We’ll support you to make your application in another way.
You must provide the following information in your application:
- Your name, age, address and contact details.
- Brief details about your circumstances and what you will use the grant for.
- A reference from an education or other professional person.
You will need to complete the application in one go and will not be able to save and return to it.
To make this easier, you can download this word document which has all the questions listed and some advice for answering them.
What will we do with your application?
We’ll email you within one week to confirm that we have received your application. If you don’t hear from us in that time, then please contact us.
A member of our Grants Team will look at your application. If we have a question, then we’ll email you. If preferred, we can arrange a phone call or video call.
Applications are considered by a Grants Panel who decide whether to award a grant or not.
If you have any questions, then please get in touch with us. It’s usually best to email us on info@somersetcf.org.uk but you can also call on 01749 344949.