Highland Youth Local Area Group launch new funding opportunity for young people
The Youth Impact Fund is a new opportunity from the Highland Youth Local Action Group (YLAG). The Highland YLAG makes up part of a national network of YLAGs which are connected to Senior Local Action Group in their region. Local Action Groups and Youth Local Action Groups are community-focused groups designed to devolve decision making to specific local areas. They manage funding, implement local action plans and make decisions on funding for community projects.
The Highland YLAG and the Youth Impact Fund is supported by Community-Led Local Development funding via The Highland Council’s Community Regeneration Funding. The Highland YLAG and its Youth Impact Fund are facilitated by the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub and is supported by a variety of stakeholders across Highland.
The Highland YLAG works closely with the Highland Strategic Local Area Group to learn best practice and to get a feel for the work they do. Their overall aim is to connect people aged 16-30 who are passionate about making their region a better place to live, study and work in. At a previous event, current Highland YLAG members set their priorities for Highland, and the Youth Impact Fund will support young people and organisations who work with young people to design, develop and deliver projects which contribute to these priorities and allow young people to thrive and access opportunities in Highland.
Highlands and Islands Climate Hub CEO Joan Lawrie said:
“I’m so proud to be supporting the Highland YLAG. A huge part of our role at the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub is encouraging and supporting fair representation and the amplification of voices within rural communities. The Youth Impact Fund will allow young people and community groups working with young people to deliver projects which allow young people to thrive in Highland. Regardless of if these projects have a climate action focus, I am very excited to see the range of applications that come in.”
The Youth Impact Fund is open to young people and community organisations who work with young people. From the 1st April 2026, Individuals can apply for up to £500 while community organisations can apply for up to £2000 to pursue activities which align to the Highland YLAGs key priorities. These priorities have been identified by the Highland YLAG and are;
Connection - Initiatives which strengthen bonds by bringing young people together and building friendships to establish a sense of belonging in our communities.
Fulfilment - Projects that help young people explore their passions, build confidence, and experience a sense of purpose or achievement within their lives.
Development - Activities that support young people to learn new skills, grow as individuals and take steps towards their future goals.
Change - Ideas that empower young people to challenge inequalities, raise their voices, and create positive change in their schools, communities or beyond.
In line with Community Led Local Development funding, groups and individuals within Inverness City are unable to apply.
As well as preparing to facilitate the Youth Impact Fund, the Highland YLAG are interested to hear from any young person interested in joining their group and are actively inviting young people to get involved to join the decision-making panel.
Highlands and Islands Climate Hub Business Support Officer and Highland YLAG member, Ashleigh Coghill said:
“It’s an exciting time for the Highland YLAG, I can’t wait to have our first taste of distributing funds to deserving individuals and community groups in Highland. It’s also a brilliant time for any fellow young people to join as a Highland YLAG member. People aged 16-30 from the Highland Council region are welcome and encouraged to join but we’re particularly interested to hear from people from West Sutherland to ensure a good representational spread. Whilst Inverness City is excluded from the Youth Impact Fund as it is out with the Community Led Local Development region, young people from Inverness with an interest in rural action can still join as a member.
Being part of the Highland YLAG supports my work with the Hub but also gives me incredible opportunities for personal development and growth which I will carry through my working life. I’d be happy to chat with anyone thinking about joining us.”
Joining the Highland YLAG allows young people to influence funding decisions, develop skills in communication, teamwork and leadership and connect with likeminded people in Highland and the national YLAG network. There’s the opportunity to attend national events as a YLAG representative too which supports young people’s ability to network and present in formal settings.