Funds for Supporting Youth Projects from April 2008

In the past years, the Youth Department of the British Council was able to consider a range of youth visits and exchanges in an agreed number of countries, working to a set of standard guidelines for eligibility. This arrangement was fairly open, but, in recent years, with budget reductions, and the requirements of specially focused projects, the funds are now coming to an end, in this financial year.

It may be possible to consider supporting particularly focused youth projects, after discussion in the early stages of the project development. The British Council is looking to offer wide involvement with projects that reflect intercultural learning; develop competencies and skills in non-formal education, and explore themes, such as climate change.

We will not be able to consider complete applications, seeking grant-in-aid alone, as our funds are no longer available in that way.

What is a Bilateral exchange?
There are government funds available to support Bilateral youth exchange projects with the following countries:  

We are not able to provide funding if your exchange is based on the premise of:

Objectives

The overall objectives and aims of these exchanges ought to reflect the current British Council’s strategy which is about building stronger global relationships, whilst helping to design and deliver high quality activities and products to more people.

It is essential that project promoters specify in the application the innovative elements they intend to introduce. Standard activities of organisations, network development and business meetings are not supported through this programme.

The exchanges must have a clear trans-national dimension and contribute to international co-operation in youth matters. More specifically, they must lead to the creation and/or consolidation of strong partnerships between youth organisations or partnerships between youth organisations and public bodies.

The projects must have detailed aims and objectives and comprehensive programme/work-plan, listing aims, objectives, methods and learning outcomes. A brief outline of programmes will not be sufficient

Priorities

Cultural diversity and tolerance: projects promoting cultural diversity and tolerance and addressing non-violent conflict transformation by facilitating dialogue and joint activities of young people from multicultural, multiethnic and multi-faith backgrounds;

Less favoured regions: projects aiming at the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities who face multiple obstacles in geographical (e.g. deprived urban areas, isolated rural areas). Projects need to address how young people can deal with issues of concern to them (participation, decision-making, education and training, employment, housing …). They should lead to an increase in self-confidence, new skills and competencies and have a positive impact on the young persons’ educational, or professional, pathway.

Innovation in youth work: Projects aimed at developing and implementing innovative methods of youth work. Innovative aspects may, for example, concern content and objectives, working methods, the involvement of partners from different backgrounds, or the dissemination of information;

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate the trans-national nature of the project by submitting letters of support from partner organisations confirming their participation. Original signatures are required.

Eligible activities in the framework of this call are, for example: training activities; thematic seminars; youth exchanges with an innovative content; voluntary service activities; information activities; networking activities;

In the same way non eligible activities are: profit making activities; activities carried out as part of formal education curriculum; projects for personal and professional development; International business meetings; large scale festivals, summer-schools, Jamborees etc; supporting infrastructure or equipment

Please note that only proposals submitted using the official application form, completed in full, duly signed and posted by the stipulated deadline, will be considered.

What kind of project?