A fund which gives young people responsibility for grant making to support efforts tackling the impact of COVID-19 has been launched by The Wood Foundation.

Your Community Fund, which is being delivered through its Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) programme, will ask young people to work in virtual teams to develop creative digital submissions, highlighting how their community has been affected by the pandemic and a local charity making a difference at this time. 

Entries will be judged by a panel. Up to 50 winning teams will secure £4000 for the charity they have represented. 

Jonathan Christie, Deputy UK Director at The Wood Foundation, said: 

“While there is so much uncertainty and challenge in the world, the need to engage and empower our young people to be part of the response is vitally important. We are delighted to be providing this opportunity for young people to demonstrate care, compassion and commitment in their communities. 

“Your Community Fund gives them the platform and opportunity to work collaboratively and creatively to develop submissions which could secure vital funding for charities dealing with COVID-19’s impact on our local communities.” 

Your Community Fund gives students who were unable to complete their YPI programme of activity due to school closures the opportunity to effect social change and develop key skills.  

YPI is the flagship programme of The Wood Foundation in the UK. Since its launch in 2008, in the region of 200,000 young people have been responsible for channeling grants of around £4.5m to charities in Scotland.

The #yourcommunityfund project launched on 22nd April and winners will be announced on 17th June, with funds sent directly to charities following the announcement.