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South West YMCA Trust Fund

What is the South West YMCA Trust Fund?

The South West Trust Fund has its own website, this is accessible here. The Fund supports the work of YMCAs in the South West of England working to develop opportunities for the spiritual growth and wellbeing of young people, this is done by awarding small grants.

Applications are welcomed from YMCAs in the following areas: Bath and North East Somerset, the City of Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

Making Applications

Applications are encouraged from YMCAs in the South West of England twice yearly. Income from the Fund comes from investments, the amount available to award is dependent on the income received. The grants awarded are usually between £700 and £1200. However, for a larger project, the trust will consider a grant up to £3500. In this application, the YMCA must demonstrate the contribution they are making.

Grant Categories

YMCAs must apply under at least one of the following categories:

To develop a sense of belonging to, and a better understanding of, the YMCA Movement. For example a bursary to attend YMCA events; or a grant to build relationships between very different YMCAs.

To provide training or opportunities for open discussions with a Christian or spiritual focus for young people aged 9-25. For example, this might include opportunities where young people are enabled to engage with nature or where a project may generate a sense of awe and wonder, or the attendance at a Christian festival.

Training and development for staff, volunteers, and those with governance responsibility for YMCAs.

Development of new work for YMCAs individually or for collaborative YMCA work in the region.

For emergency funding where a YMCA is in danger of being unable to continue to operate.

Please note the fund does not fund ongoing activities such as staff costs, continuing projects or repairs and maintenance. Applications may include staff costs where they are required to deliver your project, but applicants will need to demonstrate how any staff and core costs will be maintained beyond the grant funding.

Please view the South West Trust Fund website for grant deadlines and tips for applying.

You can apply online, via the South West Trust Fund Website or download a copy of the application here.

Example Projects

Examples of impact achieved from funding received from the South West Trust Fund are accessible via the South West Trust Fund Website. These include contributions to funding staff training and development and turning wasteland into a garden where intergenerational, outdoor learning can take place.

Further details for the Fund can be found on the Charity Commission page.