Young Start is taking a short break- here’s what you need to know.

Young Start will pause taking applications from noon on 19 December 2025. This will help us get ready to launch an exciting, refreshed Young Start programme in Spring 2026 — one that better centres the voices and ideas of children and young people across Scotland.

What’s happening?

We’re currently working on updating Young Start after a two-year project where we listened closely to over 130 children and young people across Scotland. Their ideas — along with input from grantees, partners, and funders — have shaped this refresh.

To prepare for this new and improved funding offer, we’ll pause Young Start applications from 19 December 2025.

What does this mean for you?

Applications for Young Start will be accepted up until noon on Friday 19 December 2025.

If you’re thinking about applying but haven’t spoken to us yet, please get in touch as soon as you can. Our experience tells us that demand for funding in the lead up to this deadline will increase, so it’s important that you talk to us well ahead of time.

There is no cut off date for requesting an application but we would advise you speak to us as early as possible to give yourself enough time to work on an application. The pause only affects Young Start. Our other funds — Community Action, Fairer Life Chances, National Lottery Awards for All, Strengthening Organisations and the Scottish Land Fund — will stay open for applications as usual.

If you’ve already submitted your Young Start application, don’t worry — we’ll assess it as normal.

If you have an existing Young Start grant, it will continue as usual. But if your grant is ending before May 2026 and you’d like to extend it, please reach out to your Funding Officer.

What should I do if I want to apply?

If you haven’t contacted us yet but want to apply to Young Start, send us an email at advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or call us on 0300 123 7110. The Funding Officer in your area will have an informal chat with you about the idea you need funding for and send you out an application form.

Why are you pausing Young Start?

Since 2012, Young Start has helped children and young people across Scotland become more confident, so they can realise their own potential. The programme was last refreshed in 2018. In 2023, we launched a two-year participatory research and development project to hear directly from children and young people about how to improve Young Start and better centre the voices and ideas of children and young people.

Since then, we’ve spent time with over 130 children and young people, and heard their ideas for change. We have also spoken with grantholders, other third sector organisations, and funders for their views. Now, we’re using all of that learning to make Young Start even better. The pause will give us the space we need to open the refreshed programme in Spring 2026.

Who can I speak to if I need more advice or have other questions?

If you have any questions about our Young Start programme, please contact us on 0300 123 7110 or email advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

We’re always happy to help.
 

---