The National Lottery Community Fund’s #iWill Fund 2025 – Strand 2 is a significant opportunity for organisations across the UK to engage young people in social action projects that build their skills, confidence, and leadership potential. The programme will fund organisations that work with young people up to 20 years old, or up to 25 if they have additional support needs.
The Fund aims to support organisations that provide young people with the chance to take on leadership roles, enabling them to address social issues within their communities. Projects should focus on helping young people gain valuable experience while making a meaningful difference in their local areas.
The #iWill Fund provides grants between £30,000 and £5 million, with a total of £20 million available.
The Fund expects to support between 15 to 20 organisations, providing them with the financial resources necessary to scale their youth engagement projects. This funding will help ensure that young people across the UK have the opportunity to take on leadership roles in social action, with a focus on developing skills, building confidence, and contributing to positive change in their communities.
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 19th November 2025.
This funding stream is designed for a wide range of organisations that are committed to empowering youth through social action. Eligible applicants can include:
o Funders.
o Not-for-profit companies.
o Registered charities.
o Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIOs).
o Community Interest Companies (CICs).
o School (as long as the project benefits and involves the communities around the school).
o Public bodies (such as local authorities and town, parish or community councils).
o Community Benefit Societies that are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, and
o Co-operative Societies that are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority.
Priority will be given to projects that involve young people from marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring that social action opportunities are inclusive and accessible to all. Projects that focus on environmental sustainability, social justice, and community health are especially encouraged, as these are areas where young people can have a significant and lasting impact. The #iWill Fund emphasises sustainable projects that provide long-term engagement, with a focus on building ongoing relationships and development opportunities for young leaders.
For further information, including details on how to apply, please visit the The National Lottery Community Fund website.
