Young Hammersmith and Fulham Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Varies by programme
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 2-3 months
• Grant Range: £250 - £10,000 (varies by programme)
• Geographic Focus: Hammersmith & Fulham borough, London

Contact Details

Website: https://younghandf.org.uk/

Email: hello@yhff.org.uk / info@yhff.org.uk

Phone: 020 7577 1807

For funding enquiries: Visit funding opportunities page at younghandf.org.uk/funding-opportunities

Overview

Young Hammersmith and Fulham Foundation (Young H&F), established in April 2017 and registered as a charity in February 2017 (Charity Number: 1171749), operates as an infrastructure organisation supporting Hammersmith & Fulham's youth sector. The foundation supports over 100 member organisations through grants, training, and capacity building. Young H&F is part of the wider Young People's Foundation (YPF) model operating across London boroughs. The organisation's mission is "to strengthen Hammersmith & Fulham's youth sector by supporting the individuals, organisations, and communities working with young people,“ with a vision of ”a borough where every young person can thrive, supported by a strong, connected and well-resourced youth sector."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Young Grant Makers Programme

• Young people aged 14-21 (or up to 25 with SEND) assess and award grants to local youth organisations
• Grants distributed through youth-led panel decisions
• Decisions made by trained young people using established criteria
• Grantees invited to Funded Futures Forum for networking

Direct Grants to Young People: Individual grants for personal development

• Up to £250 for employment costs (work clothing, interview attire) and educational resources
• Up to £500 for IT equipment, personal development courses, health/wellbeing costs, and extracurricular activities
• Prioritises young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET)
• Applications from employed/in-education youth considered if criteria met

Supplementary Schools Funding

• Supports underrepresented community backgrounds (Somali, Arabic, Polish)
• Focus on enhancing access to education
• Delivers English, Maths, Science, and IT lessons
• Sessions developed and led by Black and Asian organisations

Small Grants

• For small and medium-sized non-profits
• Open to members with annual turnover of £150,000 or less
• Rolling application basis

SYNC Consortium

• Unique youth consortium helping smaller organisations access larger funding
• Overcomes barriers small providers face
• Co-designed with community members
• Enables organisations to work together to bid for funding and deliver large-scale projects

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on five key thematic areas:

• Employability: Supporting young people into work and training
• Education: Enhancing access and achievement
• Healthier Lifestyles: Promoting physical wellbeing
• Mental Health: Supporting emotional and psychological wellbeing
• Youth Justice: Interventions and prevention

All programmes must serve young people aged 0-25 (up to 25 for those with learning difficulties or disabilities) in Hammersmith & Fulham.

What They Don't Fund

• Organisations not based in or serving Hammersmith & Fulham
• Non-member organisations (free membership available)
• Organisations not working with young people aged 0-25
• Statutory services

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Governance and Leadership

Chief Executive: Gareth Dixon (since April 2017)

• Responsible for overall strategic leadership and effective management
• Passionate about improving life experiences of young people in Hammersmith & Fulham
• Strong believer in supporting young people to have a say in opportunities they need
• Committed to changing the system regarding fundraising and collaboration
• Holds regular meetings with Local Safeguarding Children's Partnership

Trustees: 7 trustees, none receive remuneration

Known Trustee: Denise Fox

• Headteacher of Fulham Cross Girls School
• 43 years' experience in London schools
• Background in urban, comprehensive schools with multicultural intakes

Governance Values: Accountability, ambition, collaboration, creativity, and integrity. The organisation is accountable to members, partners, and the young people of Hammersmith & Fulham.

How to Apply to Young Hammersmith And Fulham Foundation

How to Apply

For Organisations:

1. Access funding opportunities: Check younghandf.org.uk/funding-opportunities for current programmes
2. Application method: Varies by programme - some use online portals, some operate on a rolling basis

For Young People (Direct Grants):

• Applications assessed by Young Grant Makers panel
• Anonymised applications reviewed against criteria
• Panel of trained young people makes decisions

Decision Timeline

• General timeline: 2-3 months from submission to decision (typical)
• Notification: Successful applicants invited to events like Funded Futures Forum

Success Rates

Specific success rate data not publicly available. The foundation supports over 100 member organisations through a competitive but supportive process.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated. Organisations are encouraged to contact the foundation at hello@yhff.org.uk or info@yhff.org.uk for guidance on reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Key Insights from Young H&F:

1. Youth Voice is Central: The foundation strongly believes in “supporting young people to have a say in what opportunities they need and want.” Applications should demonstrate meaningful youth involvement in design and delivery.

1. Collaboration Over Competition: CEO Gareth Dixon is "committed to changing the system in regards to fundraising & collaborating." Applications showing partnership approaches and collaborative working are valued.

1. Focus on Impact for Young People: The foundation prioritises organisations "making an impact on young people's lives across Hammersmith & Fulham." Clear, measurable impact on young people is essential.

1. Support for Smaller Organisations: Through the SYNC Consortium and small grants, the foundation explicitly works to overcome barriers smaller providers face. Don't be deterred by small organisational size.

1. Geographic Specificity: Must serve young people in Hammersmith & Fulham specifically. Clear demonstration of borough-based work is essential.

1. Member Engagement: Organisations that actively engage with the foundation's training, networking events, and community activities demonstrate commitment and are better positioned.

1. Strategic Alignment: Applications should align with one or more of the five priority areas: Employability, Education, Healthier Lifestyles, Mental Health, or Youth Justice.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Membership is essential: Join as a free member before applying for most grants - this also provides access to training, networking, and one-to-one support for organisations under £50,000 income
• Youth-led decision making: Young Grant Makers programme means your application will be assessed by young people - write in accessible language, be clear about impact
• Engage before applying: Attend the minimum 2 capacity building events, join WhatsApp group, participate in community activities - this demonstrates commitment and helps you understand priorities
• Geographic boundaries are strict: Must serve Hammersmith & Fulham specifically - be explicit about borough-based delivery
• Small is beautiful: The foundation explicitly supports smaller organisations (under £150,000 turnover for small grants) and has created SYNC Consortium for those who miss out on larger funding pots
• Collaborate: The foundation values partnership working and system change over competition between organisations
• Youth voice matters: Demonstrate meaningful youth participation in your project design, delivery, and governance - this aligns with the foundation's core values

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Young K&c
• Young Ealing Foundation
• John Lyon's Charity
• Young Camden Foundation
• Young Westminster Foundation
• Newcomen Collett Educational Foundation
• Richard Reeve's Foundation
• Essex Youth Trust
• Reedham Children's Trust
• Young Harrow Foundation

References

• Young Hammersmith & Fulham Foundation official website: https://younghandf.org.uk/
• About Us page: http://younghandf.org.uk/about-us
• Membership information: https://younghandf.org.uk/become-a-member
• Funding opportunities: http://younghandf.org.uk/funding-opportunities
• Charity Commission register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5089421/charity-overview
• London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham: https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/children-and-young-people/youth-services/youth-projects-activities-and-services/young-hammersmith-fulham-foundation
• Gareth Dixon LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-dixon-40ab1757/
• News & Stories: https://younghandf.org.uk/news-and-stories
• The Sync Youth Consortium: https://yhff.org.uk/sync
• Supplementary Schools: https://younghandf.org.uk/supplementary-schools