Lead the Change: Expression of Interest Form

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Before You Begin...
This Expression of Interest (EoI) form is the first step in applying. If you're eligible, we'll invite you to take the next step and complete a full application form.

Before starting, we advise that you read the information below carefully.
Who Can Apply?
Lead the Change is open to registered not-for-profit organisations based in Bolton or Manchester that:
  • Have an annual turnover of no more than £2,000,000 (unless you are a domestic abuse refuge or hospice).
  • Deliver work in Manchester or Bolton.
  • Work with children and young people aged 18 years and under.
  • Work in the heart of their communities and are trusted by young people. We particularly welcome applications from organisations led by people most impacted by xenophobia, racism and islamophobia.
  • Put the voices, experiences and skills of children and young people at the centre of everything they do, from design to delivery.
  • Can demonstrate strong safeguarding and trauma-informed practice.
  • Are keen to keep learning about and developing their work with children and young people.
  • Have at least three unrelated board/governing body members.
How Much Can We Apply For?
The maximum award request that will be considered is £123,353. 
What Supporting Information Do We Need to Provide?
To apply to the EOI, there are a few key documents we'll need you to attach in order to assess your eligibility. Here's a quick summary of what to include:
  • Governing Document (e.g. Constitution or Articles of Association) - Outlining your group's purpose, how it runs and what happens if it closes.
  • Committee Details - Names, roles and addresses of at least 3 unrelated members.
  • Annual Accounts - Your organisations latest audited accounts.
  • Bank Statement - Your organisations most recent statement showing the group's name, address and transactions.
  • Safeguarding Policy - Your organisations Safeguarding Policy that details your safeguarding and trauma-informed practice.
What Can Funding Be Used For?
Lead the Change will fund work that strengthens local relationships, builds confidence and belonging, and gives young people the tools to lead change. We are keen to fund an organisation that support young people most affected by xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia, to drive positive change in their communities. Projects could include:

  • Safe spaces for young people to meet and connect – youth clubs and hubs, sports, creative and cultural spaces
  • Youth‑led community action and resilience – co‑designed projects, leadership development, intercultural initiatives to bring people together
  • Pathways to opportunity – skills development, mentoring and connection to training or apprenticeships
  • Narrative change and digital literacy – tackling misinformation and disinformation, storytelling and youth-created content
Is There Anything We Can't Apply For? 
There are a few things we're not able to fund. Please see the full guidance for more information.
Is There a Deadline For EOI Applications?
Yes, this EoI is set to close at midday on the 29th April. Unfortunately, we won't be able to consider any applications after this time. We recommend aiming to submit your application a little early, just in case you run into issues and need our help. 
When Will We Hear Back?
Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
  • Opens: Wednesday 8th April 2026
  • Closes: Wednesday 29th April 2026
You will have three weeks to submit your EOI. The EOI is short. You’ll be asked for basic organisational information, a brief overview of your proposed work, initial safeguarding confirmation. You will be contacted by Wednesday 13th May to let you know if you have been invited to make a full application.

Stage 2: Full Application (Invitation Only)
  • Invitations sent: Wednesday 13th May 2026
  • Deadline: Wednesday 10th June 2026
You will have four weeks to complete the full application. Full applications ask for more detail about your project, youth leadership, safeguarding, governance, finances and delivery plan. You will hear the outcome in mid‑late August.

Forever Manchester will award one grant of £123,353 to an organisation based in either Manchester or Bolton.
And Finally...
We would recommend saving your application by clicking the "Save my progress and resume later" box above. You will then be prompted to enter an email address and choose a password. This will prevent you from losing any of your work, and will allow you to pick the form up again at a later date if you need to. Just make sure to note the email address and password you used!

To navigate to different pages on the form, you can click on the page numbers in the top right hand corner, or use the "Next" or "Previous" buttons at the bottom of each page.

At the end of the form, you will be given an opportunity to review your answers before submitting the application. At this stage, you can also print off a copy to retain for your records.

You will receive an email from us to confirm your application has been submitted, which includes a text copy of the information provided on your form. This email is sent automatically, so if it hasn't appeared in your inbox within 24 hours, please make sure to get in touch with us so that we can make sure your application was submitted successfully.

If you have any access needs or require support to complete the application, please let us know – we're here to help.

If you're not sure about anything, or have trouble filling this in, our Awards Team is only a phone call or email away:

Phone: 0161 214 0940
Email: awards@forevermanchester.com
Main Contact Person
These are the details we will use to correspond with you about your Expression of Interest form.




Organisation Details


Please select all that apply.



Supporting Documents
To be eligible, applicants must be able to provide the following supporting documents in the organisation's name:
  • A signed governing document that demonstrates relevant aims and objectives
  • Annual accounts
  • A recent bank statement showing the organisation's name and address 
  • Details of your management committee
The above documents must be provided at the time of submitting your full application. 

For help and guidance on your organisation's supporting documents, please visit the For Supporting Information section of our website.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a core requirement of this fund. To be eligible, organisation's must have clear and effective safeguarding arrangements in place that reflect the nature of their work. You’ll need to demonstrate that effective safeguarding arrangements are in place by uploading a copy of your organisation’s safeguarding policy as part of your EoI.

Your policy should clearly set out definitions of abuse, how safeguarding risks are identified and managed, how you respond to concerns and how appropriate policies and procedures are followed. 

For more information, please visit the For Supporting Information section of our website.

Project Budget and Income
The questions within this section will help us understand the level of funding you are seeking and the financial position of your organisation. We understand that figures provided at this stage may be estimates.


Project Experience



Project Information


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