Can your organisation encourage more young people to volunteer?

The Welsh Assembly Government has made £420,000 available to support projects that will bring about a step change in the number of young people volunteering and the diversity of volunteers.

The aim of the new GwirVol Youth Volunteering Grants scheme is to support the delivery and promotion of a wide range of new volunteering opportunities by third sector organisations in Wales, especially for disadvantaged young people. Separate application packs are available for 'Opportunities' or 'Promotion' grants.

Priority young people: The grants scheme aims to prioritise opportunities with and for a diverse range of young people (aged 16 – 25), particularly:

• Young people from disadvantaged communities: particularly Communities First areas and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities
• Young people with physical or learning disabilities
• Young people aged 16 – 18
• Young people not in employment, education or training

How much is available?

• 'Opportunities': project funding of up to £10,000 for activities that will deliver a wide range of new and innovative volunteering experiences for young people aged 16-25, either with your own or another organisation.
• 'Promotion': project funding of up to £5,000 will promote volunteering to and for young people aged 16-25, eg through promotional events, websites, exhibitions, or visits.

You must be able to give a clear description of how you will approach and attract young people; particularly those that are disadvantaged or excluded; how you will measure success and how you will spend the money.

All projects must be completed and accounted for by 31 March 2012. Any funding not spent by that date must be repaid.

When can you apply? All complete applications, with all supporting documents, must be received by 16th June 2010 at the latest.

No late applications will be considered.

Applicants are asked to email a copy of the final version of your application to GwirVol@wcva.org.uk in addition to sending a signed hard as this will help us to process you application as quickly and efficiently as possible. The signed hard copy must be received by the WCVA Cardiff Bay Office by 16^th June 2010.

Application packs are available from WCVA Helpdesk 0800 2888 329 or www.gwirvol.org.uk or email help@wcva.org.uk