Lord-Lieutenant’s Fund for Young and Talented

WHAT CAN THIS BE USED FOR?

The aim of the Lord-Lieutenant’s Fund for Young and Talented is to ensure that every young person has the same opportunities to develop their sporting talent regardless of their background, financial or personal circumstances.

Who can apply? +

• Applicants aged 14 to 21 with a home address in Dorset
• Applicants must have a sporting talent which has been recognised or acknowledged by an appropriate national governing body
• Applicants must be unable to achieve their ambitions without help due to financial or personal circumstance
• The fund does not support community groups, sports clubs, schools or statutory organisations

How to apply +

• You must complete the application form below and provide a copy of a recent bank statement (to confirm bank details if you are successful) and two letters of endorsement from relevant individuals. One should be from representative of a national governing body
• Your application will be submitted to a Grants Panel so it is very important that you complete all sections of the form and tell us what difference the grant will make to you. If you need equipment please let us know why, describe what you require and provide a quote or web page link if possible
• You may be required to attend an informal interview
• The activities the application relate to must begin within eight months of the grant offer
• You must spend the money awarded within one year of receipt
• Up to three grants may be awarded to an individual over a period of time, provided the applicant has shown real improvement and requires further support in order to progress further
• Information in your application will be shared with our independent panel members and/or donors as appropriate. Panel members are subject to a confidentiality clause as part of their roles and responsibilities

How a grant can be used+

• Kit or clothing
• Competition fees
• Coaching
• Travel
• Accommodation

(This list is not exhaustive, talk to us about other possible uses)

• If you are purchasing equipment you must send us copies of receipts as soon as items are purchased
• If you are requesting funding for petrol, it should be calculated at 45p per mile
• If the item you are requesting costs more than £1,000 we will need to understand where you will be raising the remainder from

Monitoring and publicity+

• We will ask for a short progress report approximately six months after the grant is awarded, to see how you’re getting on and how the grant has helped you.
• We may ask you to meet with individuals who might be interested in supporting the fund
• The fund, awards made from it, and individual success stories will be publicised. You may request anonymity

Guidance for referees+

• Tell us how long you have known the applicant and in what capacity.
• Describe your understanding and experience of the applicant’s talent and their potential to excel in their chosen field. (Please include the level that has been achieved so far – this may be formal examinations or certificates, or your judgement of their equivalent level.)

• Describe your understanding of the applicant’s personal circumstances and/or why they need financial support to pursue their career ambitions.
• The letter of endorsement will be treated as confidential within Dorset Community Foundation and grants panel members.

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