Youth club micro-commissions give Wandsworth-based youth clubs the opportunity to receive up to £1,000, during the London Borough of Culture year, to run a creative, cultural or heritage project that engages with and benefits their young people.
Do you have a great idea for a creative project at your youth club? We want to help you bring it to life! We're inviting all Wandsworth youth clubs to apply for micro-commissions of up to £1,000 to fund cultural, arts, and heritage projects or events. Use this funding to develop an entirely new project or scale up an existing one. We're looking forward to seeing what you create between now and March 2026.
Key Criteria
Microgrants will be awarded to youth clubs for projects which demonstrate:
1. A strong focus on arts, culture and heritage and a clear link to London Borough of Culture themes focusing on how better health and wellbeing is achieved through the power of culture. Our London Borough of Culture themes are:
- CULTURE CONNECTS: Connect people to life-changing experiences – opening the doors to creative jobs, discovering heritage and meeting people where they are, so that we can fall in love with arts and culture.
- CULTURE UNITES: Unite, because we are better together, united by or aspiration to imagine a brighter future for people, communities and our borough.
- CULTURE HEALS: Because building arts and culture into healthcare helps us thrive. By approaching wellbeing holistically, culture can support people body and soul, to live better.
- CULTURE NOURISHES: Creating the conditions for young people to express their creativity and be part of their communities.
- CULTURE ACTIVATES: Inspiring people through culture to take real steps to reduce pollution and their carbon footprint; reconnecting people with sustainable living and the natural environment.
2. Delivery by a youth club whose strategic plans involve embedding arts, culture and heritage into activities that support the development of skills, social life and well-being of young people.
3. Evidence that activity and project outcomes will take place during and as part of London Borough of Culture in Wandsworth
4. Clear benefits to the youth club community, including young people, staff and families, by celebrating creativity, arts and heritage in your service.
Application process
There will be two open rounds to submit applications:
Round 1
- Applications Open: Monday 11th August
- Applications Close: Monday 22nd September
- Decision outcome: Friday 26 September
Round 2
- Applications Open: Monday 6th October
- Applications Close: Monday 17th November
- Decision outcome: Friday 28 November
All planned project activity must take place and be completed by 31st March 2026.
Decisions will be made by members of Wandsworth Youth Council.
The Youth Council will consider:
- How your proposal meets London Borough of Culture Themes
- How inspired they are by your description of “Tell us about your project”
- How confident they are in your project’s aims being a benefit to the young people involved
How to Apply
Applicants can apply by filling out our Micro-commissions Form or submitting a short video - a recording of lead artist responding to application form prompts.
Video Application
If you'd prefer, your application can also take the form of a video application (.mov, .mp4) or audio submission (.wav, mp3) rather than applying through the written application form.
If you are submitting a video, please include a verbal declaration against each point/question in the application form, including how you will use your budget and end the video with your name and the date.
Please return the video with date of submission to: [javascript protected email address]
You may apply for up to £1,000
Permissions for publicity
All youth club projects funded with a London Borough of Culture Youth Service micro-commission must credit Wandsworth Council and Welcome to Wandsworth London Borough of Culture on marketing, media and PR content. If you are successful in your micro-commission application, you will receive a branding toolkit to make this as simple as possible.
Apply Here
To submit your application, please complete this form.
FAQs
Who can apply for a grant through the micro-commission project?
These micro-commissions are open to Wandsworth council or charity-run youth clubs only. All eligible organisations must have a Wandsworth postcode.
How much can I apply for?
You may apply for up to £1,000.
Can I speak to someone about my project before applying?
Online drop-in sessions will be available to answer any questions on Thursday 28th August at 5-6pm and Thursday 11th September at 4-5pm.If you would like to join the drop-in session, or have any queries about your application, please email [javascript protected email address]
Can the micro-commission funding be spent on capital?
No. Funding can support purchase of materials and small assets, but these must be relevant to delivery of the youth-engagement project.
Why is my youth club not eligible to apply for this funding?
This funding is open to Wandsworth based youth services and registered charities that provide a service for young people within the borough.
Can the Micro-commission support business as usual?
No
Can additional funding from other sources be included in the proposal?
Additional funding from other sources may be included in your application. Details should be provided in the application (or video)
Can I apply for the Micro-commission if I’ve already received another London Borough of Culture Community Investment Grant?
Yes, although we may prioritise applications from those who have not received funding from us before.
Who will review the proposals?
Our Wandsworth Arts Service team will form a panel with members of Wandsworth Youth Council to facilitate a youth-led decision-making board.
When will I find out if I have been successful?
Applications submitted within round 1 (September) will receive an outcome by Friday 26th September. 2025 Applications submitted within round 2 will receive an outcome by Friday 28th November 2025.
Successful: (Your application has been selected for funding you can commence you activity)
Reserve: (We were unable to fund your project in the current round and will be automatically considered at a future decision meeting).
Unsuccessful: Your application was not suitable for funding (you may not apply for future rounds).
How long should do I have to complete my artwork?
Projects must be completed by 31st March 2026.