Creative Enterprise Fund

Creative Scotland and Young Scot see the Creative Enterprise Fund as providing a means for Scotland’s young people to develop their artistic talent and unlock opportunities within the creative industries. The Fund aims to promote the values of creative enterprise and leadership, creating positive pathways to employment and providing wider benefits to local communities.

The Fund can offer awards of up to £200 for individuals aged 15-22 or £750 for groups of three or more young people, where two thirds of any group are aged between 15-22.

The deadline for applications is 17 September 2012.

Contact: Young Scot, phone: 0808 801 0338 [ e-mail | website ]

Young Start Fund

A new fund aimed at unlocking the potential of Scotland’s children and young people has been launched by the Big Lottery Fund. Young Start will invest dormant accounts money in projects that encourage young Scots aged 8 to 24 to be:

• CONFIDENT – Children and young people have more confidence and skills;
• HEALTHY – Children and young people have better physical, mental and emotional health;
• CONNECTED – Younger and older generations are better connected and have more understanding and respect for each other;
• ENTERPRISING – Young people are better prepared for getting a job or starting a business.

Young Start, which is forecast to invest £8.9 million by March 2013, will award grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 for up to two years. The fund is aimed at third sector organisations including voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises, housing associations, sports organisations, cooperatives and charities.

Projects will have a better chance of success if they can show young people have been meaningfully involved in the development, design and delivery of the project. Young Start can fund a range of projects including the following examples:

• Using local artists in a creative arts project to improve young people’s confidence;
• Getting young people involved in sport through the use of local sports facilities;
• Young people teaching older people how to use technology and try new activities such as using the internet, social networking and gaming;
• Work experience tasters with local employers.

Application form and guidance materials are available online here. There are no deadlines and applications can be submitted at any time. Applicants will hear if they have been successful within 8 weeks of submitting an application form.

Groups can keep in touch with the latest Young Start news at www.facebook.org.uk/youngstartfund or following Young Start atwww.twitter.com/youngstartfund.