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Now open | The Lightbulb Fund

The Lightbulb Fund is open for applications!

The Lightbulb Fund aims to support projects focused on young people in care or leaving care, and looked after children.

Key information

We actively welcome more applications from, or benefitting, people under-represented in our grant making, for example LGBTQIA+, racially minoritised, d/Deaf or disabled people
Priority will be given to organisations that work in the Leeds neighbourhoods with the highest proportion of young children in low-income families Children in Relative Low Income, 0-4 rate | Leeds Observatory – Data Explorer
The grants can cover project costs only, including costs associated with the project delivery (e.g. staff and overheads)
Organisations who work with children and young people can apply to cover existing work that increases their reach and access to support care experienced children and young people and care leavers as well as new projects
Only one application per organisation can be considered

Examples of activity that can be funded

Education and training e.g. life skills, self-care workshops, cooking sessions, digital literacy, advice and advocacy, legal support
Employment e.g. paid work placements, CV and interview workshops, job fairs, business mentoring, apprenticeships
Health and wellbeing e.g. trauma-informed therapy sessions, exercise sessions, mental health support groups, parenting support for care-experienced/care leaver parents
Practical support e.g. budgeting sessions, house-related workshops, travel passes, white good/furniture stater packs
Community and social e.g. cultural trips, creative outings, outdoor activities, networking and volunteering opportunities

Grant Size: Up to £20,000 (up to £10,000 per year)

Location: Leeds

Duration: 2 years

Deadline: 19/01/2026 at 12 noon

Decisions: March 2026