Activate Fund

Activate is Sound Connections’ investment programme for Music Hubs across England to develop or deliver action-focussed work, with their young people.

Purpose of the ACTIVATE Fund 

Activate is our investment programme for Music Hubs* across England to develop or deliver action-focused work, with their young people. We are keen to support and invest in Hubs that already have a demonstrable commitment to, and practice of, youth voice and participation.  

What is on offer?

  • £1,750 towards your project (we have 3 x grants available)
  • Termly mentoring sessions with a Sound Connections team member specialising in youth voice and participation
  • 2 x free places on youth voice training and network sessions in the 25-26 academic year
  • A supported process throughout the lifespan of the investment cycle

What types of activity can the fund support?

We are particularly keen to support activities that need financial support to meet their young people’s needs. The sorts of things you might want to apply for can include:

  • Providing your young people with a pot of money to programme their own activity
  • Setting-up a micro-bursary scheme for young people
  • Facilitating a youth-led event
  • Investing in training-up some of your young leaders so that they can take on more responsibility

Whatever it is, it needs to be youth-led, meeting the needs of your young people and supporting your organisation to take your next steps in deepening your youth voice practice.

Timeline

  • Applications open – 5 June 2025
  • *Deadline for applications now extended* – Sunday 31st August, 11:59pm
  • Project induction meeting – September 2025
  • Projects start – Autumn term 2025
  • Projects complete – no later than 31 July 2026
  • Reporting complete – no later than 31 August 2026

More information and how to apply

To find out more, please download the Activate Guidelines found here.

To apply, you can find the questions here, and budget form here.

Please complete your application via this link – *Deadline now extended* to Sunday 31st August, 11:59pm