South Yorkshire’s Mayor announces new Youth Impact Fund to help young people take on the world

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) will work in partnership with The King’s Trust and South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF), the region’s largest grant-giving charity.

The Fund has been set up by an initial donation of £25,000 from SYMCA supported by further donations from a network of ambassadors and the work of the South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation to help raise funds and build awareness of the grants across South Yorkshire. 

The Mayor is also urging businesses, organisations and individuals to contribute to the Fund.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Over the last few years, I've had the privilege of meeting some remarkable young people from across South Yorkshire.

“Young people with talent, drive and ambition to spare. But too often, their talent is not matched by the support they can access locally.

"They often remind me of friends I grew up with - incredibly talented in sport, music and the arts, but they never got the chance to fulfil their potential because the support wasn’t there, and often the costs were simply too high.

"That lesson has stayed with me. We should never accept that a young person's future can be decided by what they can afford rather than what they're capable of.

"Now I'm in a position where I can do something about it, I want to give the next generation of superstars from South Yorkshire the start they deserve.

“That's why I'm launching my Mayor's Youth Impact Fund, helping talented young people from South Yorkshire access the opportunities, training and support they need to take their next step.

South Yorkshire is full of extraordinary young people. We’ve given the world everyone from Jess Ennis to the Arctic Monkeys to Kevin Keegan to Dame Diana Rigg. I want this Fund to help open doors, create opportunities and make sure talent isn't held back by circumstances. Because when young people here are given the chance to do what they do best, I know there's no limit to what they can achieve.

 

Teachers and community leaders will be able to nominate young people based on their talent, ambition, and individual needs.

Grants will range from £2,000 to £10,000, supporting costs such as specialist coaching, equipment, course fees, and travel. A formal application and nomination process is now open.

SYCF, which has awarded more than £40 million to voluntary and community groups over the past 40 years, will manage the administration of the fund.

Martin Singer, Chief Executive of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with Oliver Coppard to deliver the South Yorkshire Mayor’s Youth Impact Fund.

“The grants will play a key role in supporting young people who may be facing barriers to achieving success and helping these individuals to fulfil their potential.

“Whether in music, maths, sport or science, early investment in young people can have a lasting impact, equipping them with vital skills and a strong foundation to help shape an inclusive and thriving South Yorkshire region.

We want to see this impact go even further, which is why we’re inviting local businesses, philanthropists and individuals to join us in supporting the fund, helping to unlock even more opportunities for young people and make a lasting difference to their futures.

You can find out more information about the formal application and nomination process on the South Yorkshire Community Foundation Youth Impact Fund webpage.

Clare Higgins, Head of Delivery for Yorkshire at The King’s Trust, said: “At The King’s Trust, we know that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not always equally accessible. Too many young people face financial barriers that can prevent them from pursuing their ambitions and reaching their full potential.

“That’s why we’re proud to be supporting the new Youth Impact Fund. By investing in gifted and talented young people, we can help remove some of the obstacles that stand in their way and give them the support they need to thrive.

“Whether a young person’s passion lies in sport, the arts, science, technology or another field, this fund has the potential to open doors, build confidence and create life-changing opportunities.

“We look forward to seeing the incredible achievements of the young people who benefit from this initiative and the positive impact it will have across South Yorkshire.”