Young residents have an opportunity to bid for up to £3,000 to fund a short-term youth project of their making this month, at the Young Grants Fair on Monday 29 November.

As part of Merton’s annual Youth Opportunities Fund grants allocation, any young person, or group of young people, can apply financial contributions to help fund projects of benefit to young people in Merton aged 13-19 years old. The projects need to be completed by 31 March 2011 and be delivered within Merton for the benefit of Merton youth.

The Youth Opportunities Fund panel, made up of a group of elected young people, will listen to all applicants ideas and appeals for funding at the grants fair, which runs from 6pm in the Merton Council Chamber and Committee Rooms, and allocate appropriate funding to successful groups.

Those wishing to apply for funding should contact Merton’s youth participation officer, Jo Young at jo.young@merton.gov.uk to register their interest and secure a time to present their ideas to the panel of judges. On the evening young people should bring a completed application form and be ready to present their idea and request for funding to the panel and to answer any questions about their proposal.

This application and presentation would have to be made by the young people who want the project but their adult supporters may also attend.

Councillor Maxi Martin, cabinet member for children’s services at Merton Council said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to turn their inspirational ideas for projects that benefit other young people in Merton, into a reality.

“Projects like the King George’s Youth Space, Merton’s new youth van, refurbishment of the John Innes Youth Centre and the additional sensory room at Phipps Bridge Youth Centre all started off with support from the Youth Opportunities Fund. This is a real opportunity for other young inspirational people to turn their brilliant ideas into a reality too.”

Visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/youthopportunityfund for more information or contact Jo Young via email at jo.young@merton.gov.uk or phone 07957 402672.

Notes to editors:
Only one application can be made per group. You must meet the usual criteria for YOF grants and the costs must be reasonable.
The Young Grants Fair takes place on Monday 29 November from 6pm to 8pm
Merton Council Chamber and Committee Rooms, Civic Centre, Morden

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