Pudsey Next Steps

The newly launched Pudsey Next Steps funding programme will help achieve greater equity, diversity and inclusion in BBC Children in Need grant-making.

The first round focuses on new applicants working in under-served geographic areas across the UK. This round aims to reach under-served and marginalised children and young people. They may be affected by challenges including poverty, discrimination, and exclusion. For example, this could include care experienced or disabled children and young people. It may include children and young people from minoritised ethnic communities.

Please note Pudsey Next Steps will open again in early 2025. The next round will have a different focus and priorities, informed by what has been learnt from this first round.

Grants of between £1,000 and £15,000 per year for up to three years are available

Who Can Apply

This first round is for new applicants to BBC Children in Need.

Not-for-profit organisations working with children and young people aged 18 or under who live in the UK, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands can apply.

Applications will be considered from organisations which:

  • Address the specific local priorities identified for this round in their Nation or Region. (Refer to the guidance notes on the BBC Children in Need website.)
  • Have not been funded by BBC Children in Need before.
  • Have an annual income of £100,000 or less.
  • Are based in the community they serve.
  • Are reaching children and young people aged 0-18 years who are experiencing inequality of opportunity.

To be eligible, applicants must be:

  • Working with children and young people aged 18 years and under
  • Working in the heart of their communities, particularly in times of crisis
  • Putting children and young people at the centre of everything they do, from design to delivery
  • Addressing challenges faced by children and young people, building their skills and resilience
  • Empowering children and young people, and extending their choices in life
  • Keen to keep learning about and developing their work with children and young people
  • Committed to making a difference in children and young people’s lives.

The local priorities for the first round are:

Scotland – applications welcome from organisations that work with children and young people affected by challenges and barriers connected to discrimination, for example, racially minoritised children and young people.

Northern Ireland – applications welcome from organisations which are either:

  • Situated in Strabane and Rural County Fermanagh that target marginalised children and young people impacted by poverty, or
  • Reaching racially minoritised children and young people impacted by poverty, outside of the Belfast area.

Wales – applications welcome from organisations situated in Caerphilly, Denbighshire, Monmouthshire and Powys that work with children and young people affected by challenges and barriers connected to discrimination, stigma and exclusion.

North of England – applications welcome from organisations situated in Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale that work with children and young people affected by challenges and barriers connected to discrimination, stigma and exclusion including being care experienced, disabled or racially minoritised.

Central England – applications welcome from organisations situated in the Black Country (Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Walsall) that target children and young people experiencing poverty.

South West England – applications welcome from organisations that work with children and young people affected by challenges and barriers connected to discrimination, for example, racially minoritised children and young people.

South East England – applications welcome from organisations situated in Dover, Folkestone & Hythe, Gravesham, Hastings, Isle of Wight, Milton Keynes, Southampton and Thanet that are targeting marginalised children and young people impacted by poverty.

London – applications welcome from organisations situated in Barking and Dagenham, Bexley, Brent, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Merton, Newham and Redbridge. They must also work with at least one of the following:

  • Care experienced children and young people.
  • Children and families living in unstable, unsuitable or temporary accommodation, particularly refugee and asylum seekers.
  • Racially minoritised children and young people.

How To Apply

The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 16 October 2024 (11:59 am).

Full details can be found on the BBC Children in Need website.

Groups are encouraged to contact their local team to discuss their application.

Please note Pudsey Next Steps will open again in early 2025. The next round will have a different focus and priorities, informed by what has been learnt from the first round.

Contact BBC Children in Need for further information.

 

Visit Here – Pudsey Next Steps – BBC Children in Need