Dear Somebody,
Community groups and grassroots organisations are being invited to apply for a share of £600,000 as the Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES Fund) officially reopens for 2026. The YES Fund offers funding for projects focused on preventing serious violence by creating brighter futures for young people across Merseyside.
Jointly delivered by Merseyside Police Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, and the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP), the YES Fund provides grants of £5,000–£25,000 for initiatives that give young people safe, positive opportunities and help steer them away from violence, exploitation, and anti-social behaviour.
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Over the past two years, the YES Fund has shown just how powerful early intervention can be. Thousands of young people have benefited from sport, arts, digital skills, mentoring and wellbeing support – all delivered by the incredible grassroots organisations which know their communities best.
The Yes Fund has already helped to create even more safe spaces and positive pathways for young people right across Merseyside, offering them an amazing array of activities and opportunities across our region, all focused on keeping them safe and preventing them from getting drawn into dangerous or harmful behaviour.”
They are inviting community groups, charities and third-sector organisations to submit bids for projects supporting young people under 25 – from skills and qualifications to confidence‑building, mentoring and programmes that help them make positive choices for the future.
Projects can run throughout the year, with a focus on times when issues can traditionally increase, such as when young people are not in school with very little to do. Funding will be targeted in areas of Merseyside that have experienced the highest levels of violence and the biggest cuts to youth services, with the aim of keeping young people safe and supported and helping to steer them away from trouble.
All applications must be submitted online via the Community Foundation for Merseyside by 4pm on Friday 1 May. If you’d like to apply, you can do so here.
Sincerely,
Liverpool Noise
