THE Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) has launched a new fund to help young people make a difference in the community.
The UK-wide youth social action programme, named the #iwill Fund, is being funded by the Big Lottery Fund and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and HIWCF will be awarding grants of £120,000 over two years.
The programme aims to get six out of ten young people involved in social action by 2020, by involving youngsters in activities, such as campaigning, fundraising and volunteering.
The scheme is for those between ten and 20 years old and for disabled young people up to 25.
Community groups across Hampshire and the IW can apply for grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 for projects which will have a positive impact on the wider community.
Jakes Ferguson, HIWCF chief executive, said: "We are delighted to be working with the #iwill grant programme, which seeks to make social action part of life for ten to 20 year olds, getting youngsters involved in their community at an early age will not only increase their prospects of making a lasting difference to their lives but also encourage a new generation to be engaged with and pro-active in their communities.
"We are grateful to our generous benefactors, who have agreed to match the funding provided by this programme in 2017."
Eligible groups are urged to send in their applications before the closing date — March 24 — via the HIWCF website, www.hantscf.org.uk/grants/available-grants/youth-social-action.aspx

Reporter: bonniem@iwcpmail.co.uk