Up to £5,000 for Educational, Creative and Sporting Projects for Young People – BlueSpark Foundation

The BlueSpark Foundation is offering grants of up to £5,000 to support projects that improve the education, confidence, skills and personal development of children and young people aged 5–22 in England.

The Foundation funds educational, cultural, sporting and creative activities that help young people develop independence, teamwork, self-confidence and future employability.

Funding is available to schools, community groups, clubs, societies, other not-for-profit organisations and individuals.

Applications are currently being accepted, with the next review scheduled for February 2027.

Here's what you can expect:

• Grants of up to £5,000 per project

• Most awards are below £2,000

• Funding for educational and creative activities

• Support for music, drama, dance and sporting projects

• Funding for educational trips and outdoor experiences

• Support for equipment, tuition and participation costs

• Applications from organisations and individuals

• No requirement for applicants to provide match funding

• Online applications accepted throughout the year

What projects can be funded?

1. Music, Drama and Performing Arts

Projects encouraging creativity, confidence and self-expression, including:

• Music and singing workshops

• Musical instruments

• Drama productions

• Theatre activities

• Dance tuition

• Performance opportunities

2. Sport and Outdoor Activities

Activities developing physical skills, resilience and teamwork, including:

• Sports equipment

• Sporting competitions

• Outdoor adventure programmes

• Camping and climbing

• Kayaking and sailing

• Team-building experiences

3. Education and Academic Development

Projects improving learning opportunities and educational achievement, including:

• STEM clubs

• Academic competitions

• Debating and public speaking

• Educational materials

• Enrichment activities

• Enterprise projects

4. Educational Visits and Excursions

Funding for experiences outside the classroom, such as:

• Museum visits

• Theatre trips

• Nature reserves

• Educational farms

• Cultural visits

• Residential educational experiences

5. Skills and Personal Development

Projects helping young people develop:

• Independence

• Self-confidence

• Teamworking skills

• Creativity

• Communication skills

• Future employability

• Educational aspirations

Who can apply?

The programme accepts applications from individuals and organisations resident in England.

Eligible applicants may include:

• Schools and colleges

• Community groups

• Youth clubs

• Sports clubs

• Music and drama groups

• Societies

• Other not-for-profit organisations

• Individuals

Applicants do not necessarily need to be registered charities.

Projects must benefit children or young people aged 5–22.

There is no minimum number of beneficiaries. The Foundation may support projects benefiting a group or a single young person where the potential impact is significant.

Key eligibility requirements

Applicants must demonstrate that:

• The project supports the education or development of young people.

• The funding will make a significant difference to whether the project can proceed.

• The project has clearly defined activities and objectives.

• The requested amount is supported by appropriate costings.

• The grant will fund a specific project rather than general organisational expenditure.

• The proposed activity meets the Foundation's grant policy.

The Foundation gives particular consideration to projects that improve confidence, teamwork and future employability.

What cannot be funded?

The Foundation does not provide grants for:

• Projects benefiting children under 5 or young people over 22

• General organisational running costs

• Life-skills mentoring services

• Counselling services

• Holiday clubs or playgroups

• Building construction, maintenance or repairs

• Training adults who work with children and young people

• Student tuition fees or maintenance costs

The Foundation also does not normally fund organisations providing their own commercial services to third parties free of charge or at a discount.

In those circumstances, the intended beneficiary organisation should normally apply directly.

How much funding is available?

Maximum Grant: £5,000

Typical Award: Below £2,000

Funding Type: Project grant

Match Funding: Not compulsory

Geographic Eligibility: England

Beneficiary Age Range: 5–22

Funding must represent a significant contribution towards the proposed project.

Applicants should request only the amount genuinely required, as the Foundation normally awards the amount requested rather than offering a reduced grant.

For applications above £2,000, an applicant's ability to contribute some project funding may be viewed favourably, although it is not mandatory.

How does the application process work?

Step 1 – Review the Grant Policy

Check that the proposed activity and intended beneficiaries meet the Foundation's criteria.

Step 2 – Prepare the Project Proposal

Identify:

• What the project will deliver

• Who will benefit

• How the activity will support young people's development

• Why the funding is necessary

• What the requested grant will pay for

Step 3 – Prepare Project Costings

Provide accurate costs for equipment, services, activities or experiences.

Step 4 – Complete the Online Application

Applications must be submitted through the BlueSpark Foundation's official online application form.

The person leading the project should complete the application.

Applicants can save their progress and return to the form later.

Step 5 – Trustee Review

The Foundation's trustees assess applications against the grant policy and may request a meeting to discuss the project.

Step 6 – Funding Decision

Successful applicants receive confirmation of their grant award.

Key dates

Applications: Accepted online

Next Application Review: February 2027

Expected Grant Payments: Around 1 April 2027

Application Deadline: No fixed submission deadline published

Application Status: OPEN

Funding information

Funder: BlueSpark Foundation

Funding Amount: Up to £5,000

Typical Grants: Under £2,000

Funding Type: Project grant

Geographic Eligibility: England only

Eligible Applicants: Schools, community groups, clubs, not-for-profit organisations and individuals

Beneficiaries: Children and young people aged 5–22

Eligible Activities: Education, music, drama, sport, outdoor learning and creative development

Next Review: February 2027

Expected Payments: April 2027

Deadline: Rolling applications